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Manitoba’s chief public health officer confirmed this morning the number of presumptive positive cases in Manitoba is 15.
Dr. Brent Roussin restated the importance of following social distancing recommendations.
“Our social distancing messaging continues. This is going to be one of our most important strategies to limit the impact of the virus in our communities. This is not the time to be going out to crowded bars or restaurants. Now is the time to ensure we’re distancing ourselves from others, avoiding close prolonged contact with others, and staying home when we can.”
Dr. Roussin says this is an important precaution for those at high risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 including those over 65, those with underlying medical conditions, and those with compromised immune systems.
Over 2,100 Manitobans have been screened for COVID at the 7 testing sites across the province (four in Winnipeg, and one each in Thomson, Flin Flon, and The Pas).
The province’s 8th COVID-19 testing site opened today at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, operating from 8am to 4pm.
Additional testing centres will be announced in the province this week.
If you have cold- or flu-like symptoms or have recently travelled internationally, you are asked to call Health Links, who will be able to assess whether testing for COVID-19 is needed and can provide a referral.
The Health Links number is 204-788-8200 and 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
For a full list of preventative measures, and all other official information from the Manitoba government, click here. www.manitoba.ca/covid19/.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Eight people have died because of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in Canada. In Manitoba, there are eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seven presumptive cases, none of which are from the Parkland.
We already know the effect that the virus can have on humans, but we've learned it can also affect animals as well. Roxane Neufeld, Veterinarian at the Dauphin and Ste. Rose Vet Clinic shared this information.
"It is possible that animals can be infected by COVID-19. There is no evidence however, that animals can spread the virus to people at this time."
In Hong Kong, one dog has died after he was released from quarantine after a COVID-19 test. This was after the pet's owner had recovered from the virus.
"If you're sick and you're worried that you may have COVID-19, you should avoid close contact with your pet," continued Neufeld. "Don't let them snuggle you or lick you or sleep with you. You should also always cough into your elbow or Kleenex and don't cough or sneeze on your pet."
Neufeld adds that it's suggested that you get another loved one in your family to take care of your pet if you're worried about feeling sick.
If your dog or other animal hasn't been eating for a number of days, is coughing and is looking lethargic, it's a good idea to take them to the vet to get them checked.
"I think that's very important. Even if it's not COVID-19, they could be infected by something else and they may need medication," she concluded. "We're always here for your animal, that's why we do what we do."
If you are taking your animal into the vet, Roxane has recommended you take these precautions.
- You can call ahead and we can come to get your animal from the vehicle so you don't have to come into the building
- If you need refills of any medication or food, call ahead and we'll have it ready for you
- We can take any payments over the phone
- If you're not feeling well or seniors who really want to stay away from public areas, we can make arrangements to make deliveries in town
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
This morning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced significant financial measures to support Canadians through the COVID-19 issue.
The federal government has pledged $82 Billion to support the Canadian economy.
That includes $27 Billion dollars in direct support, $55 Billion in tax deferrals.
Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau says COVID-19 emergency funds should start coming in the next 2-3 weeks.
There will also be a temporary wage subsidy for small businesses in Canada, designed to help keep Canadians on the payroll through this difficult time. It will be equal to 10% of wages paid to employees, for the duration of 3 months.
There’s also an update to tax season; if you file a return and owe the CRA money, you now have until August 2020 to pay those taxes.
With school and daycare closures, the federal government will temporarily boost the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) within the next coming months.
In order to help lower-income people, the government will supplement the GST credit (a tax-free payment sent to low-income Canadians every few months) to offset the consumer tax they pay. Every adult who qualifies will receive up to $300, with $150 for every child.
The federal government also plans to set up an Indigenous Community Support Fund to support the immediate needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities.
The Prime Minister and U-S President Donald Trump revealed that the Canada US border will be shut down to all but essential traffic in both directions, to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Trudeau says that details are still being worked out, but expects that it will be closed Friday night or Saturday morning.
Both leaders say trade will not be affected.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The list of municipalities making changes to their day to day operations continues to grow.
As of Monday, March 23, Grandview will be closing their municipal office. Any payments needed to be made can be done so by cheque or cash using the drop-box by the main entrance, or online through your financial institution. Communication with staff will continue through email, phone or fax.
The Public Works Shop will be closed to the general public. The utility, water and sewer, as well as snow removal in case of a snowstorm, and garbage/recycling removal will operate as usual unless notified from OSS.
All Rec facilities will remain closed until further notice.
The Waste Transfer Station will operate as usual.
Updates will be posted to their website.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The RM of Dauphin is also making some changes due to the COVID-19 situation.
Effective immediately, the RM of Dauphin municipal office will be closed to the general public. Anyone with inquiries can contact the office at 204-638-4531 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Cheque payments can be made by using the drop-box by the main entrance, or through your financial institution. Other general payment information can be found on their website.
When contacting the office, the RM asks that you leave a detailed voicemail with your contact information and the appropriate department will return your call within one business day.
Burning permits will continue to be required. Contact the municipal office in order for authorization to be issued by email or phone.
Already in place, the RM of Dauphin Public Works Shop has been closed to the general public but remains in operation, RM of Dauphin Utility and Waste Disposal will remain in operation.
The RM advises the public to continue to follow the provincial recommendations in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The COVID-19 outbreak continues to cause communities to make changes to decrease their risk of the virus.
Gilbert Plains is no different and effective immediately, they’ve made the following changes.
The Municipal Office, at 201 Main St. N, will be closed to the general public. Payments can be made via cheque or cash using the drop-box by the main entrance. Communication with staff will continue via email, phone or fax. Those that require in-person assistance can come through the back entrance to the Council Board Room. Municipal Staff will be available to assist while maintaining the social distancing as recommend.
The Public Works Shop, at the corner of McCormick Ave. and Cutforth will be closed to the general public. The utility, water and sewer, as well as snow removal in case of a snowstorm, and garbage removal will operate as usual.
The Public Works Town Shop, at 114 Main St. N, will be closed to the general public.
The Waste Disposal Site will operate as usual.
The EMS Building, at 102 Main St. N, will be closed to the public. Fire services will operate as usual.
The Community Hall, at 102 Main St. S, will be closed to the public.
The Recreation Commission, at 101 Complex Drive, will be closed until further notice.
The Gilbert Plains Municipal By-Election has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Gilbert Plains Municipality Council will continue to monitor the situation and re-evaluate as new information is made available.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Two men from Sandy Bay have been arrested for breaking into and stealing from cottages in the Amaranth area.
On March 13th, the two suspects entered the cottages by prying open doors before taking items from the residences.
When driving away, the suspects got their vehicle stuck and fled into a treed area when Amaranth RCMP arrived.
The Police Dog Service was called to assist the search and a little later on, the suspects got cold and returned from the treed area to awaiting police who arrested them and took the suspects into custody.
28-year-old Dustin Richard and 37-year-old Reginald Richard, both from Sandy Bay have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, and three counts of break and enter.
If anyone has information about the crime, contact the Amaranth RCMP at (204) 843-2309, call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or give a secure online tip at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
As the snow starts melting in Dauphin, there is a chance you’ll come across a disposed of needle on the ground.
The City of Dauphin and Prairie Mountain Health have a reminder for what you should do if you come across a needle on the ground.
Dauphin’s Deputy City Manager Renee Sigurdon says if you find a needle on public property you should give the city a call.
If you are going to dispose of the needle yourself, use tongs or pliers to pick up the plastic end of the needle, pointing the tip away from your body.
Then put the needle in a sturdy plastic container, and close it securely with tape.
Needles in a secured plastic container can be disposed at any Prairie Mountain Health Facility/Public Health Office.
PMH says if you are poked by a needle, to allow yourself to bleed and do not squeeze the wound so your body can flush away any harmful germs.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water and get to an emergency room as soon as possible.
When in doubt, you can also call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Public Health officials have announced 7 additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba.
This brings the total number of cases to 15.
The case includes three people in their 60’s, two in their 50’s, one in their 40’s, and one in their 30’s.
Five cases are in Winnipeg, and two cases are from communities in the Southern Health Santé-Sud area, which encompasses the area south of Winnipeg and a bit to the west, including communities such as Steinbach, Winkler, and Portage.
Further information on relations to travel is pending.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Many municipalities in the Parkland are making adjustments to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Manitoba.
Today, officials in Mossey River Municipality have announced some changes to day to day operations starting Wednesday, March 18.
- Mossey River Municipal Office (130 Second Street) will be closed to the general public. Payments can be made by regular mail or electronically through the Credit Union and Scotiabank. Communication with municipal staff can occur by email or phone.
- Both the Winnipegosis and Fork River Public Works shops will be closed to the general public. Utility services (water and sewer), snow removal and commercial garbage pick- up will operate as usual.
- OSS garbage and recycle pick-up will continue as per their regular schedule.
- Both the Winnipegosis and Fork River landfill sites will operate as usual, using social distancing practices.
- Both the Winnipegosis and Fork River Fire Departments will be closed to the general public. Fire services will operate as usual, using social distancing practices.
- The Bulk Water Station will operate as usual, using social distancing practices.
- Recreation Facilities will be closed until further notice (Skating Rink, Curling Rink)
- There have been no changes to the response of emergency services. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
Mossey River Municipality will continue to review and update this plan as new information becomes available.
As a reminder, you can reach Health Links-Info Santé at 1 (204) 788-8200 or Toll-Free 1 (888) 315-9257.
The latest COVID-19 information from the Manitoba Government here.
The new online assessment tool can be found here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused more municipalities to make changes to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Municipality of Ste. Rose has been asked to ensure Emergency Management Plans are in place. Council and administration have discussed scenarios around what to do regarding the coronavirus, and how it could affect the functions of the municipality.
They have prioritized the services that they provide to the community.
1. Water and Sewer Service – Must Operate
2. Fire Service – Must Operate
3. Public Works – Must Operate – Possible Modifications
4. Council and Management Staff – Must Operate – Possible Modifications
5. Office Staff – Operate – Possible Modifications
6. Recreation Facilities – Closed Until Further Notice
(Arena, Curling Rink, Community Centre, Burnside Park, etc.)
Services not related to water, sewer, or fire, may be limited at times or temporarily suspended according to the required response.
Elsewhere, the Municipality of McCreary will be making some changes to ensure the safety of their staff, the McCreary Volunteer Fire Department, the staff of the McCreary Recreation Commission and municipal recreation facilities as well as the public.
Effective immediately, the Administration Office for McCreary will be closed to the general public. Any payments needed to be made can be done via cheque or cash and by using the drop-box located just inside the first set of doors at the main entrance at the front of the building from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, by regular mail or electronically through your financial institution. Communication with municipal staff and the recreation director can occur by email or telephone.
The Public Works Shops will be closed to the general public. The Water and Sewer Utility, Snow Removal in case of a snowstorm and recycling pickup will operate as usual using social distancing practices.
The Waste Disposal Site will operate as usual using social distancing practices.
The McCreary Volunteer Fire Department will be closed to the public. Fire services will operate as usual using social distancing practices and other practices as may be necessary.
The Bulk Water Station will operate as usual with the use of social distancing practices.
The Municipality will review and update this plan as the authorities provide new information and as the situation evolves. The Municipality of McCreary also encourages event organizers, businesses and residents to heed the warnings and follow the directives as best as possible.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
