As Manitoba's healthcare system buckles under the weight of unprecedented patient loads,&nbsp;Manitoba's health minister is taking a&nbsp;medical leave.

Heather Stefanson&nbsp;is undergoing a "necessary medical procedure" on Friday that was recommended by her physician, according to government communication sent to CBC.

She will be on medical leave for the rest of the spring sitting, which ends June 1.

Stefanson's&nbsp;official&nbsp;return date will ultimately be based on her doctor's advice, according to the email.

Manitoba deputy premier Kelvin Goertzen will take over the role of&nbsp;health minister in the meantime, the letter says.

 Goertzen&nbsp;previously served as Manitoba's health minister from 2016 to 2018.&nbsp;

'Our health system is on the brink': Manitoba reports 594 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths

Manitoba public health officials pleaded with the public on Friday to do everything possible to stay home — unless they're going out to get vaccinated — as they announced 594 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths.

A look down the hallway of a restricted COVID-19 unit at Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre. 

Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre COVID-19 covid unit red

Manitoba's hospital ICUs are so full that five patients have been transferred out of province to Ontario.

Manitoba premier asks federal government to send health workers to help with COVID-19 battle

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says he spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday morning and asked for up to 50 critical care nurses and 20 respiratory therapists to help cope with the third wave of the pandemic that has the province seeing record numbers of new cases and people in intensive care.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister speaks and answers questions during a COVID-19 press conference at the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg Thursday, March 26, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

COVID Mba 20200421

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says he spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday morning about the province's need for health workers to help battle a third wave of COVID-19.

Gatherings with people outside same household prohibited starting Saturday in Manitoba

As of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, people will only be allowed to gather outdoors with people they live with, regardless of circumstances. Only one person per household can enter a business to purchase essential items, though there are exceptions for people such as caregivers, Roussin said. 

Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer, and Health Minister Heather Stefanson

Roussin and Stefanson

Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer, and Health Minister Heather Stefanson announced new public health restrictions that will be in effect from Saturday to Wednesday.

Manitoba Health Minister Heather Stefanson is undergoing a procedure recommended by her physician that will require her to take medical leave for the rest of the spring session, according to government correspondence. 

Manitoba health minister Heather Stefanson takes medical leave

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