WINNIPEG -- With COVID-19 variant cases popping up in Manitoba, an intensive care specialist is warning it is likely a third wave of the pandemic could hit the province in the coming months, but it is not inevitable. On Monday, Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer, reported 18 new cases of the B.1.1.7. variant—the highest daily spike of variant cases yet. Along with the new cases came a slew of exposures on Winnipeg Transit linked to variant cases. Of Manitoba's 41 total variant of concern cases (30 B.1.1.7. cases and 11 B.1.351 cases), Roussin said eight are linked to travel, 24 are close contacts, and nine are unknown.