A group that represents surgeons in Manitoba says the number of surgeries and tests delayed since the COVID-19 pandemic began has climbed significantly.

Doctors Manitoba estimates the surgical wait-list includes at least 54,820 cases -- an increase of nearly 2,500 from the group's previous report.

The group's president, Dr. Kristjan Thompson, says the backlog is likely affecting a significant part of the population.

He says the provincial government must add new capacity to the health-care system to deal with the problem.