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CEO & President of the Lung Association of Manitoba, Neil Johnston, summarizes the risk of inhaling the wildfire smoke.
"Everybody who is exposed to this smoke over time can end up having some long-term consequences down the road. Inhaling the smoke from a wildfire over a short period, once or twice a year, those kinds of things (are okay.), But if it becomes more and more common, the complications start showing up. And those complications are due to the fact that some of the particles generated by the wildfires are really small. They are 2.5 microns (in size) which is really tiny, and they go deep into the lungs, and our bodies can't get rid of them very well."
Johnston carried on to touch on the long-term effects of inhaling these tiny particles.
"They can cause inflammation, and that inflammation can affect the lungs themselves, but they can go on to affect the heart, the circulatory systems and other organ systems over time. So it is something we need to be aware of, and we advise people, not only those at high risk, but everybody should take precautions when air quality deteriorates to avoid the potential complications down the road."
Some of the precautions you can take when air quality is poor are:
- Move to a cleaner air environment.
- Reduce the amount of air that is being brought into the office or home.
- Close all air intakes.
- Use air filters and replace them as per the manufactures instructions.
- Use room air purifiers.
Manitoba's Lung Association says those who face higher health risks during poor air quality include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions. These individuals should avoid exposure to this smoke when possible.
- Details
- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
The Manitoba government is investing up to $2.3 million over three years to support an indigenous-led, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections testing and contact tracing strategy.
Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson says this initiative will help with normalizing the testing and treatment of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and enable culturally safe care.
“Other Indigenous-led public health programs in other jurisdictions have seen great success, and we are confident this new initiative will see the same.”
The initiative will be developed by Indigenous health experts and delivered by Ka Ni Kanichihk, an Indigenous community organization with a strong track record in helping Manitoba’s Indigenous communities, through partnerships with other community service organizations, government agencies, funders and other stakeholders.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Because of the dry conditions, many municipalities have fire bans and restrictions.
Starting today until tomorrow, crop residue burning is not authorized except by permits in all municipalities and zones in Manitoba due to unsafe burning conditions and poor air quality.
Until Monday, November 15th crop residue burning is not authorized, except by permit, in the municipalities of Rosser, Headingley, St. Francois Xavier, Cartier, Macdonald, Ritchot, Tache, Springfield, East St. Paul and West St. Paul.
Anyone who wishes to apply for a burn permit can do so by calling 204-745-5646 or 1-800-265-1233.
Anyone requesting a permit for this weekend must do so by 3:30 p.m. on Friday.
Safe burning practices must be followed, and smoke must not obscure any public roadway or create problems for neighboring residents.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
The winners of the first round of the “Vax-to-Win” lottery will be announced on Monday, August 16th.
Premier Brian Pallister says those who received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by August 2nd will be entered to win up to $100,000 for eligible adults. Youth can win a $75 thousand scholarship.
“We’re so close to reaching all of our vaccination milestones, but to reach that Labour Day immunization milestone we set out in our 4-3-2-One plan, we need 25 thousand second dose vaccinations, and I’m confident we can reach that goal any day now.”
As of yesterday, 80 percent of eligible Manitobans had received one dose, and the province expects 75 percent with two doses within the next week.
Those who receive their second dose on or before September 6th will be entered into the second draw.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
UPDATE: The man has been taken into custody without incident.
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RCMP say a man is barricaded alone inside a residence on 3rd Ave SW in Dauphin.
Dauphin RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services on scene.
Police have the area contained but are instructing the public and the media to stay away from the area for the safety of the public and officers.
RCMP ask the public to not post any pictures of police activity on social media until the situation is resolved.
Updates will be provided.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
With the impact of this year's drought being very harsh on many producers around the province, the RM of West Interlake is stepping up to show its appreciation for agriculture by hosting a Farmer's appreciation day BBQ at the Ashern Auction Mart tomorrow, August 4th, from 11 am. – 1 pm.
This function will offer a free lunch and the opportunity to speak to local municipality councillors about drought relief and what you think might help!
- Details
- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
Premier Brian Pallister said in a statement that the events of the past two months should inspire us to make real progress on reconciliation.
Pallister says that progress can only be made by working collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous leaders and communities as we chart a path forward, together.
The Premier says he has been reflecting and wishes his words had been spoken differently so they could have been understood better.
He adds that he never justified the existence of residential schools in Canada and the lasting harm they inflicted on Indigenous persons.
Last month, Pallister said "the people who came to this country didn't come here to destroy anything, they came here to build."
In the health order conference today, Pallister spoke about the appointment of Alan Lagimodiere as Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations of Manitoba.
“Alan’s a fine man. He’s an accomplished person who’s risen from not much to achieve great things in his life. He’s a caring person who understands the challenges in front of him and has faced up to them. He apologized immediately for his comments and misrepresentation around residential schools.”
Pallister says we would not be a province without the foundational contributions that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples have made and continue to make to Manitoba.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
The Manitoba government is implementing new public health orders to begin this Saturday, one month earlier than expected.
Premier Brian Pallister says 80 percent of eligible Manitobans have had one dose, and another 25 thousand need to get their second dose to hit 75 percent, which is the goal on the 4-3-2-One Great Summer Reopening Path.
"COVID case numbers continue to drop, and vaccination rates keep increasing. Manitoba is in a good place right now thanks to the hard work of our public health team and of course the collective efforts of all of you."
Dr. Brent Roussin says public health will no longer require mask use in indoor public places under the new health orders, but they are still highly recommending that Manitobans wear masks in indoor public places.
"So we're moving from public health restrictions to recommendations, but we know that COVID is still with us, and that crowded spaces and prolonged contact increase the risk of COVID and other respiratory viruses."
The new public health orders will allow the following sectors to open without restrictions:
• indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences
• gyms and fitness centres
• libraries
• personal services such as hair and nail salons
• day camps
• retail businesses, markets, garden centres and malls
Other sectors will open with limited restrictions including:
• expanded capacity limits will remain in place for weddings, funerals and other public gatherings both indoors and outdoors including larger capacity limits for worship and cultural events like pow wows
• restaurants and bars will no longer need to restrict the size or space between tables and dining will not be restricted to households or vaccinated individuals; however, patrons will still be expected to avoid congregating or socializing between tables
• museums, galleries and movie theatres will remain limited to 50 per cent capacity but will no longer be restricted to vaccinated individuals
• casinos and bingo halls, professional sporting events, horse and auto racing, and concert halls will continue to be limited to vaccinated individuals; however, all these facilities may now open to 100 per cent capacity
• indoor and outdoor sports and recreation will fully reopen with limits only on spectator capacity
• overnight camps will be permitted with limits on camper cohorts
• workplaces must continue to report cases to government for followup and public health-confirmed transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace may result in workplaces being ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days
• remote working will no longer be required or recommended by public health and workplaces will be encouraged to transition from COVID-19 safety plans to a general communicable disease prevention plan that focuses on basic risk-reduction principles to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses
The new public health orders will go into effect at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, August 7th.
The orders will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7th, and will be reassessed at that time in the context of vaccination rates and the province’s overall COVID-19 situation.
- Details
- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Changes are coming to Manitoba's COVID-19 restrictions.
Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin are set to hold a news conference on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. to outline the updated orders.
Manitoba is running ahead of its vaccination targets, with roughly 80 percent of people aged 12 and up having at least one dose, and just less than 70 percent fully vaccinated with two shots.
Current public-health restrictions include a 50-per-cent capacity limit in stores, museums, restaurants and gyms, and casinos, bingo halls and movie theatres are only open to fully vaccinated people.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
According to the Manitoba NDP party, the PC government has spent over $5 million on privately-employed nurses to address chronic shortages at the Dauphin Health Centre over the past three years.
NDP Leader Wab Kinew says Dauphin families need a fully-staffed healthcare centre with the quality care they can rely on.
“The common-sense thing to do would be to hire nurses to work in Dauphin because it’s clear that that’s needed. $5 million being spent on these private nurses shows you that there aren’t enough nurses to work here in Dauphin to look after the patients both from in town but from the surrounding area too.”
Kinew says more and more nurses are leaving the community because the PC government keeps fighting with the nurses.
“That’s $5 million that could have created some good jobs for people who live here in town, and they could stay here and spend the money at local restaurants and stuff like that. But instead, that money’s gonna leave town most likely, because it’s going to people who are only here temporarily.”
Kinew adds that during this time period, Manitoba nurses have been subjected to unfair wage freezes, denied quality PPE, and forced to work mandatory overtime to make up for PC cuts. Because of this, nurses organized a strike vote in the middle of the pandemic.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
- Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
- Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
- Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
- Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
- Mun. of Roblin, incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
- Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
- R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
- R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park
According to Environment Canada, the smoke we are experiencing is coming from forest fires that have spread across central and northern parts of the Prairies, sending smoke throughout Manitoba.
Over the next couple of days, light winds will keep this smoke trapped near the surface and limit the dispersion of this smoke.
With these smoky conditions, individuals living in the areas listed above are advised to be aware of potential health concerns associated with current air conditions; even healthy individuals may experience irritated eyes, tears, coughing, and a runny nose in these current conditions.
In times of special air quality statements, Manitobans are encouraged to:
- Limit outdoor activity and strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
- Reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area
- Turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors
- Keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials
People at higher risk are young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions, particularly asthma. These individuals should avoid as much exposure to smoke as possible.
- Details
- Contributed by Noah Fuchs
