166 New Cases In Saturday's COVID Update

In today’s COVID Update, public health officials announced 166 new cases of the virus and 2 more deaths.

One of the deaths was in Winnipeg, the other one was in Southern Health. This brings the total number of deaths in the province to 825.

Today’s COVID-19 data shows:

26 cases in the Interlake-Eastern health region;
69 cases in the Northern health region;
14 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
10 cases in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region; and
47 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

According to the province’s data, there are active cases in the following Parkland health districts: Dauphin (2), Riding Mountain (1, down from 2), Porcupine Mountain (55, up from 53), Duck Mountain (4), Asessippi (14, down from 15), Little Saskatchewan (10, up from 9), Whitemud (1), and Agassiz Mountain (23, up from 22). Brandon has 51 active cases.

In the Interlake, the Eriksdale/Ashern health district has 69 active cases, while Fisher/Peguis has 71.

The provincial total is now 29,446.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 7.3 per cent provincially and 4.4 per cent in Winnipeg.

There are 3,526 active cases in Manitoba and 25,095 people have recovered from the virus.

There are 127 people in hospital with active COVID-19 and 148 who are no longer infectious but continue to require care, for a total of 275 hospitalizations.

There are 30 people in intensive care units with active COVID-19 and 9 people who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care, for a total of 39 ICU patients.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Jan 30, 2021 - 1:19 pm

A report released earlier this week says Manitoba isn’t prepared for an outbreak of animal diseases.

Auditor General Tyson Shtykalo says some steps have been taken by the province to prevent animal disease emergencies, but more work needs to be done.

The audit found the province has a list of 36 potential diseases, both known and emerging, that are of higher risk for the province, but there weren’t any preparedness plans for most of them.

In addition, there wasn’t any documented rationale for prioritizing the diseases.

An animal disease emergency has the potential to threaten the health of Manitobans and could have significant consequences for the economy.

Shtykalo says even a rumour of a disease outbreak could crash the price of livestock in the province.

Agriculture Minister Blaine Pedersen says the province is working on the report's recommendations.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Jan 30, 2021 - 8:06 am

By the end of the day today, all residents of licensed personal care homes that chose to be vaccinated for COVID-19 will have received their first dose of the vaccine.

Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson made the announcement yesterday saying they had committed to ensuring the first doses for all licensed PCH were available within 28 days.

“I want to thank all the health-care providers on the front lines and the members of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force for making this possible, as well as for their hard work, detailed plans and commitment to protecting some of the most vulnerable Manitobans.”

The McCreary-Alonsa Health Centre is the final site where residents will receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Earlier this week, the province released a four-stage immunization plan for covid-19 vaccines.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Jan 30, 2021 - 7:16 am

Health officials announced 152 new cases of COVID-19 and 3 more deaths today.

All of the deaths announced are in the Winnipeg health region. There have been a total of 823 deaths in Manitoba due to the virus.

Today’s new COVID-19 cases are in the following health regions:
• nine cases in Interlake–Eastern health region
• 81 cases in the Northern health region
• 24 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region
• 14 cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region and
• 29 cases in the Winnipeg health region

There have been a total of 29,280 cases in the province.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 7.5 percent provincially and 4.9 percent in Winnipeg.

There are 3,490 active cases in Manitoba and 24,967 people have recovered from the virus.

There are 122 people in hospital with active COVID-19 and 150 who are no longer infectious but continue to require care, for a total of 272 hospitalizations.

There are 29 people in intensive care units with active COVID-19 and 10 people who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care, for a total of 39 ICU patients.

According to the province’s data, there are active cases in the following Parkland health districts: Dauphin (2), Riding Mountain (2), Porcupine Mountain (53), Duck Mountain (4), Asessippi (15), Little Saskatchewan (9), Whitemud (1), and Agassiz Mountain (22). Brandon has 48 active cases.

In the Interlake, the Eriksdale/Ashern health district has 70 active cases, while Fisher/Peguis also has 69.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jan 29, 2021 - 1:02 pm

Travellers returning to Canada will now be required to isolate in designated hotels at their own expense while they await a negative COVID-19 test result.

Returning Canadians will have to get a COVID-19 test when arriving at the airport, and quarantine in designated hotel rooms for 3 days while they wait for the results.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that’s expected to cost more than $2,000.

Anyone with a negative test result is then allowed to spend the rest of the mandatory isolation period at home, while those that test positive must immediately isolate in designated government facilities.

Starting next week, international flights will only be allowed to land at four airports – in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal.

In the coming weeks, non-essential travellers will also be required to show a negative COVID-19 test before entry at the land border with the United States.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jan 29, 2021 - 11:51 am

Today some new restrictions on interprovincial travel go into effect.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister announced earlier this week that anyone entering Manitoba from anywhere in Canada will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

He says this decision is partly due to the risk of importing any new COVID-19 strains from other jurisdictions.

People living in border communities travelling to another province for essential reasons, like groceries, are exempt

But as of today, a 14-day self-isolation requirement is in effect for anyone entering Manitoba and fines can be issued for violating the order.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Jan 29, 2021 - 5:22 am

The deadline to nominate businesses and individuals for the Dauphin Chamber Awards Night is approaching.

Stephen Chychota says they’re looking for anyone doing some amazing work.

“We’re looking for the best in the Parkland and we try to do this every year, we have a lot of fun with it, this is our chamber celebration event and we really like to showcase some amazing businesses and organizations out there, even some individuals too, that are going a little bit further than the regular day to day and helping out other businesses and community groups.”

This year’s awards night will be a little bit different, being online, likely through Zoom. The Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce AGM will be mixed into the awards night as well, but Chychota says it’ll be a quick part of the program.

“We really just want to look after showcasing these businesses, organizations, and individuals that are doing some really great work and need that recognition.”

The awards being handed out are Business Person of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Appreciation Individual, Community Appreciation Group, and Outstanding Business.

Nomination forms can be found on the chamber website. The deadline is next Friday, February 5^th.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Jan 29, 2021 - 5:15 am

Two people are facing charges after a drug bust on Pine Creek First Nation.

On Wednesday, January 27, at around 7:10 a.m. Winnipegosis RCMP and Police Dog Services executed a search warrant at a home in Pine Creek First Nation as part of an ongoing investigation.

Officers seized around 50 grams of cocaine, 528 grams of hash, 1,128 grams of cannabis clippings, 242 grams of cannabis, cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

A 27-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman are facing charges including Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Trafficking Material, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

Both have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court in March.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jan 28, 2021 - 4:47 pm

Health officials announced 133 new cases of COVID-19 today and 8 more deaths.

One of today’s deaths is from the Interlake Health region, one is from the Southern Health region, and the remaining 6 deaths are from Winnipeg.

Today’s new COVID-19 cases are in the following health regions:
• 17 cases in Interlake-Eastern health region
• 61 cases in the Northern health region
• 19 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region
• seven cases in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region and
• 29 cases in the Winnipeg health region

There have been a total of 29,128 cases province-wide.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 8.7 percent provincially and 5.4 percent in Winnipeg.

There are 3,456 active cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba and 24,851 recoveries.

There are 124 people in hospital with active COVID-19 as well as 153 people who are no longer infectious but continue to require care, for a total of 277 hospitalizations.

There are 25 people in intensive care units with active COVID-19 and 12 people who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care, for a total of 37 ICU patients.

The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 821.

According to the province’s data, there are active cases in the following Parkland health districts: Dauphin (3), Riding Mountain (4), Porcupine Mountain (54), Duck Mountain (3), Asessippi (15), Little Saskatchewan (6), Whitemud (1), and Agassiz Mountain (21). Brandon has 37 active cases (down from 51).

In the Interlake, the Eriksdale/Ashern health district has 72 active cases, while Fisher/Peguis also has 69.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jan 28, 2021 - 2:19 pm

RCMP are searching for a Swan River man connected to a fatal vehicle rollover near Cranberry Portage.

Back on August 9^th, RCMP responded to a vehicle rollover on Sherridon Road, about nine kilometres from the intersection of Highway 10.

A vehicle with 4 occupants lost control, went into the ditch, and rolled. The occupants – two 33-year-old men, a 15-year-old girl, and the 32-year-old driver—were taken to hospital.

Alcohol was believed to be a factor, and officers began an impaired investigation.

On August 14, RCMP were notified that one of the 33-year-old male passengers had succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

RCMP are asking the public’s assistance in locating the driver, 32-year-old Jesse Aaron Campbell. He is described as 6’0”, 185 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. RCMP say he may be in Swan River or Winnipeg.

Police ask that if you have any information on his whereabouts to call 204-472-4040, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Campbell is facing the following charges:

Operation of a Conveyance While Impaired Causing Death
Operation of a Conveyance with a Blood Alcohol Concentration Equal to or Over 80mg% Causing Death
Operation of a Conveyance While Impaired Causing Bodily Harm x2
Operation of a Conveyance with a Blood Alcohol Concentration Equal to or Over 80mg% Causing Bodily Harm x2
Operation of a Conveyance while Impaired
Operation of a Conveyance with a Blood Alcohol Concentration Equal to or Over 80mg%
Operation of a Conveyance While Prohibited

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jan 28, 2021 - 10:49 am

It’s Bell Let’s Talk Day — an opportunity for Canadians to join the global conversation about mental health.

Statistics show more than 60% of Canadians struggle with a mental illness, and 40% of Canadians say their health has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every text, phone call, and social media post using #BellLetsTalk will work out to a five cent donation to Canadian mental health programs.

“I think Bell Let’s Talk Day is very important, not only about raising the awareness but engaging in those very meaningful and helpful conversations,” says Sean Miller, Executive Director of Peer Connections Manitoba.

The executive director of Peer Connections — who himself struggled with schizophrenia and depression for 15 years before making a full clinical & personal recovery — explains his recovery wasn’t done in isolation, adding “I had to get the right people around me.”

“It’s about communication. It’s about talking about it and really helping people with beneficial information. One piece of information can dramatically change a person’s trajectory or outcome,” said Miller.

Miller says the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) website also has excellent resources for mental health support in the Parkland.

Peer Support at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre is only offered to individuals and families experiencing mental health and addictions emergencies. If individuals and family members visiting the ED would like to speak with a peer support/family support worker they need to specifically ask for peer/family support.

One-on-one support is also offered through Peer Connection Manitoba. Eleanor Snitka is a community peer support, who can be contacted at 431-345-0353, or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..