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The province was finally able to introduce the budget today, more than a week later than originally planned.
Finance Minister Scott Fielding also revealed there will be another document to outline how Manitoba can handle the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister noted the province has nearly $1 billion of financial flexibility to address the issue.
The province's rainy-day fund will also see another $300 million added.
The new budget also includes a $6.8 billion investment in health care, with $1.3 billion in operating grants to public school divisions.
The province’s “made-in-Manitoba” Green Levy takes effect July 1st at a flat $25 per tonne. Unlike the federal carbon tax, the Green Levy will not increase each year.
To view the budget in its entirety, you can visit www.manitoba.ca/budget2020.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Parkland Residential & Vocational Services Inc. (PRVSI) will be making some changes to their programming.
This is in response to the provincial government announcing services for adults with intellectual disabilities should be scaled back in order to support social distancing measures.
PRVSI Executive Director Darrin Clinton says he was informed late last night that the government was recommending some changes.
“We are probably going to end up closing our day program today, so we can give support to residents in their homes. We’re going to have to figure out what we can so participants can get out and have someplace to get out for a while.”
Clinton is calling on past employees to reach out if they can help out during this time.
In an official release, the Manitoba government recommended day services only still be offered to individuals who:
• live with family members who could lose their job if day services are not provided,
• are supported by home share providers who can’t provide care during daytime hours and where other arrangements are not possible, and
• cannot be safely supported in their residence during daytime hours.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The Dauphin Co-op is making some changes to limit the spread of COVID-19.
They are requesting only one family member to enter the store at a time, in an effort to practice social distancing.
They are recommending shoppers stay six feet from each other in checkout lines.
They also encourage people to avoid entering the store if they are sick, or showing symptoms of COVID-19.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Health Minister Cameron Friesen and Dr. Brent Roussin have given their daily COVID-19 update.
There are 9 community screening sites for COVID-19. Four are in Winnipeg, sites are also in Brandon, Selkirk, Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas. There will be drive-thru sites in Winnipeg and Steinbach opening in the coming days.
The Health Minister says there will also be additional rural sites being rolled out in the coming days.
Roussin reminds Manitobans that this is a time for social distancing.
“This is not the time to go out in large groups, in crowded spaces, such as bars, restaurants, and large house parties. This is a broad recommendation, but this is keeping with our social distancing strategies to really impact the spread of the virus in our communities. This includes not attending gatherings outside your homes including faith-based gatherings.”
There are no new cases today, the number remains at 17.
Friesen understands these increasing numbers can cause anxiety, but to remember that the rise in cases is inevitable and the health-care system is at the "highest state of readiness."
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is following provincial guidelines with new visitor restrictions at their long-term and acute-care facilities.
CEO of Prairie Mountain Health, Penny Gilson, says the visitor restriction policies have been well-received by families with loved ones under the care of PMH.
“In terms of visitor restrictions, and it could change, we are suspending visitors in our long-term care facilities. Unless for compassionate reasons, and that would be determined on a case-by-case basis. In our acute care facilities, we are limiting visitors to one visitor per patient."
"We also have staff screening visitors at all of our facilities to ensure they are not high-risk visitors, for example, those who’ve travelled internationally in the last 14 days.”
It’s important to follow the visitor restrictions, as some in PMH care have a high risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 (anyone over 65, those with underlying medical conditions, those with compromised immune systems).
Gilson says we must continue to be patient and cooperative to help “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 spreading in our province.
“It’s an unprecedented public health event right now. I have to say, all of our staff and physicians are coming to the table to help in any way they can."
"We are also asking that employers re-evaluate their policies around sick-notes. Right now we don’t need the added burden on the healthcare system of people trying the get sick notes.”
Prairie Mountain Health facilities, staff and providers are taking all the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.
The Prairie Mountain Health CEO is reminding us all to trust reliable information, which can be found at the Prairie Mountain Health website, and at the official Manitoba COVID-19 fact sheet.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Different places around Dauphin have been closing their doors due to the growing concern of COVID-19. However, the Dauphin Food Bank will be pretty much business as usual with some precautions in place.
If you're in need of some meals, today is your next chance. From 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Parkland Crossing there will be an intake that is open to those that need some help.
"It's going to be a little bit different. When we open the doors, we're only allowing three people in at a time," said Robin Gambler, Chair of the Dauphin Food Bank. "We're not doing our computer part; we're just going to mark down their name and birthdates. We'll give people their food and they'll walk out the next door."
Gambler is encouraging people not to bring your entire family. They want people in and out as quickly as possible.
Recently on Facebook, there was a post that was urging people to donate to the Food Bank. Gambler saw that post and was thrilled that there are people that support what the DFB does and she notes that you can donate anything non-perishable. That includes soup, crackers, spaghetti noodles, sauce, and much more.
"It would be nice if everyone could even give just a can. I know after today, our shelves will be pretty much empty," continued Gambler. "I'm really hoping that we can get some donations in."
If you'd like to donate, you can take your items to the Dauphin Friendship Centre from 1 until 3 p.m. today. You can also take them any time to Parkland Crossing. The next intake will take place on April 2.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Manitoba RCMP will be making some slight adjustments while interacting with the public during the COVID-19 issue.
Officers will continue to patrol communities, respond to calls, and investigate criminal activity across the province.
However, the RCMP asks that if your matter isn’t urgent, to avoid going to the detachment.
If you need to speak with an officer or want to file a criminal report, they ask that you call ahead and make arrangements.
The officer may be able to take your report over the phone or may direct you to meet at an alternate location.
In a press release, the RCMP says there will be more questions when calling 911.
“When you call, you will be asked additional questions concerning your health. This is to ensure that officers can take appropriate safety precautions. When our officers respond, you may see them wearing personal protective equipment such as a face mask. This is for your safety and that of our police officers. Every single one of our officers remains committed to your security during these difficult times. However, to truly get through this, we will all need to work together. Be kind to one and other, take care of those around you, and do everything you personally can to adhere to the recommendations of public health officials.”
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The provincial government was planning to release their education reform proposals at the end of the month, but will now wait until at least summer 2021 to release the report.
The review was to look at administration, ways to improve literacy and test scores, and Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen hinted it could lead to fewer school divisions.
Leifa Misko, the chairperson of the Mountain View School Division board of trustees, says the government wouldn’t tell them if there’d be school division changes.
“We are hopeful there will not be major changes to the school division.”
Misko says the division hasn’t prepared for a possible change in school divisions.
“We do believe, to amalgamate, you should be talking to the communities and receive the communities’ input, and ultimately, it should be up to the communities and the area that will be affected if they amalgamate or not.”
The report is being delayed due to the coronavirus and schools being closed. Goertzen says he needs teachers and education staff to focus on students’ needs while classes are suspended.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Public health officials have announced two more presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba.
Case 16 is a Winnipeg woman in her 50's, while Case 17 is a Winnipeg man in his 70's.
It appears that both cases are travel related.
Manitoba’s first drive-thru community testing site for COVID-19 opened this afternoon in Selkirk, north of Winnipeg.
The Selkirk testing site, at 622 Superior Ave., will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Following the latest recommendations from the provincial health authority, MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual in Dauphin will be offering take-out dining only.
Manager Bryce Hancharyk says the decision was difficult, but necessary.
“Given the current state of everything, we’ve switched operations to take-out only. Not only for the safety of our staff, but for the safety of our guests. It’s a change in pace for us.”
It’s a precautionary move that ultimately boils down to safety, and Bryce says the staff are also taking extra measures to make sure the restaurant is clean.
In lieu of dining in, you can place your order with MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual by calling 204-701-6453.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Many of us are experiencing anxiety and stress related to the COVID-19 issue.
CKDM spoke with Julia Senchuk with the psychology department at Brandon University.
She says it’s important to remember we’re all in this together, and that it’s okay to have feelings of worry or fear at a time like this; they are emotions almost all of us are experiencing in one way or another.
“A lot of the problem with this situation is the unknown and uncertainty, this is one of the biggest causes of stress.”
Senchuk offered her expertise on what you can do to manage your mental wellbeing at this time.
“We want to look at (1) how we are eating, are we eating well? (2) How we are sleeping, are we getting enough sleep? and (3) are we moving? A lot of gyms are closing, but we can go for a walk. Play with the kids, take the dog out. Things that get us moving and active can maintain that basic level of mental health, so we can cope with the stress we are dealing with.”
Although many of us will experience significant social isolation during this time, Senchuk recommends using technology to stay connected with friends, family, and the community.
“Let’s use our technology to our advantage. Many of us are isolated for various reasons. Let’s learn how to use our technology so we can connect; whether we’re using phone, video chat, or social media to really connect with others. That does help our mental health and allows us to check on others and see how they’re coping with the situation.”
Julia Senchuk works with Brandon University’s Department of Psychology. She also runs her own private counselling practice.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
