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Dauphin’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at the MPI Service Centre was launched today.
Prairie Mountain Health will be overseeing the testing daily, operating from 10am to 3pm.
Chief Provincial health officer Dr. Brent Roussin says a testing site in your community is not something to worry about.
He says "these sites do not pose any risk to the public. Remember, this virus is spread through close prolonged contact, coming within 1 to 2 metres of an infected individual" and added, "our professionals at these sites performing testing will be within that range and wearing appropriate equipment."
"The public is at no risk due to the location of these testing sites."
We’re learning that multiple sites were under consideration, and it was determined the MPI Service Centre at 217 Industrial Road was the safest and best option for both residents and frontline health care workers.
The Health Minister’s office is assuring the Dauphin and Parkland region that the testing site is safe for the community, and says it poses no public health risk.
Keep in mind, you need a referral to get tested at these community testing sites, they are not walk-in clinics.
For a referral, call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Dauphin Recreation Services is urging families to have some fun this week although their Spring Break program has been put on hold due to COVID-19.
Made It Monday kicks things off today and it's simple. All you have to do is post a photo of something that you and your family created. It can be artwork, Lego creations, something you baked or really anything.
By posting a photo to Dauphin Recreation Services social media accounts, you can win a prize as DRS will be doing a draw every day of the week.
"You need to tag Dauphin Rec Services on your posts and that way, you'll be automatically entered into the draw," said Tamara Kolida, Programs, and Promotions Coordinator.
They're on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The daily draws will be at 10 a.m. so tomorrow morning is your first chance to win a prize, but you and your family have to be creative to get that chance. Some of the prizes include a birthday party package to the Parkland Crossing indoor playground. Dauphin Rec Services has donated a pool party package and more.
As the week rolls on, Kolida and everyone at DRS is ready to see how creative and interactive Dauphin can get.
"Yeah, we're super excited to see what families in this area can do," concluded Kolida. "People are looking for something to do during this time of being stuck at home so we're just giving people a chance to take part in this and win a prize in the process. It's going to be a fun week."
Here is a full list of activities that will take place for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, March 31st - Time to Read Tuesday
Post a photo of what you and your family are reading. Share your book suggestions!
Wednesday, April 1st -Work Out Wednesday
Post a photo of your family exercising together!
Thursday, April 2nd - Theatre Thursday
Post a photo of your family watching a movie and share what movie you watched.
Friday, April 3rd - Fresh Air Friday
Post a photo of your family enjoying the outdoors!
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It’s good news if you’re looking to get out of the house and get some fresh air, while following social distancing guidelines.
Manitoba’s provincial parks remain open for you to hike, bike, and embrace the outdoors.
You must continue to practice social distancing when visiting the parks:
- Stay over 2 metres away from other persons.
- Announce your presence on trails if approaching someone from behind.
- Pack out everything you packed in and keeps pets on a short leash.
During this time you can expect limited access to facilities, and the parks authority has a reminder that you are responsible for your own safety.
At this time all Manitoba Conservation and Climate offices and park offices are closed to walk-in traffic.
You can still access some services by calling the toll-free line at 1-800-214-6497, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As spring conditions arrive, you can check out the Trail Conditions page for updates on trail conditions.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The total number of probable and lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba is now 72.
This is after Public Health officials announced 8 more probable cases of the virus during their Sunday update. The number of COVID-19 deaths in the province remains at 1.
Dr. Brent Roussin says two individuals in Manitoba have been listed as recovered.
At this time, the Prairie Mountain Health region has a total of 5 lab-confirmed positive cases.
(table from www.manitoba.ca/covid19)
Keep in mind the following measures will take effect starting Monday, March 30:
• Public gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises. This includes places of worship, gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals. This does not apply to a facility where health care or social services are provided including child-care centres and homeless shelters.
• Retail businesses including grocery or food stores, shopping centres, pharmacies or gas stations must ensure separation of one to two metres between patrons assembling in the business.
• Public transportation facilities must also ensure that people assembling at the facility are reasonably able to maintain a separation of one to two metres.
All other instructions given by public health remain in effect, including the mandatory 14 day self-isolation period for all international and domestic travellers.
At this time, there have been no updates from PMH on the status of Dauphin’s drive-thru testing site, originally slated to have opened this past Saturday at the MPI Service Centre in Dauphin
The chief public health officer revealed that Manitoba has its first COVID-19 clinical trial underway. The study will test if a rheumatological drug can prevent people from contracting COVID-19. The trial is being led by a team at the Faculty of Health Sciences and the University of Manitoba. The trial will be done to determine if the drug can be safely used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The University is hoping to recruit as many Manitobans as possible to be involved in the trial. Eligible participants include (1) anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, (2) anyone who lives with someone that's tested positive, and (3) healthcare workers that have been exposed to a confirmed case.
If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating, visit COVID-19research.ca
Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.
For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
As the entire country focuses on the COVID-19 issue, all Service Canada Centres are closed to the public.
That includes the Service Centre in Dauphin on 1st Avenue NE.
A note posted on the door reads: “In response to COVID-19, Service Canada Centres are closed until further notice. Our services are available online at canada.ca/service-canada-home. If you need help applying for benefits you can reach us at canada.ca/service-canada-e-service."
You can still access some critical services online or by using your mobile device.
Services currently available include:
-Applying for Employment Insurance
-Applying for Canada Pension Plan / Old Age Security
-Applying for Social Insurance Number
Employment Insurance sickness benefits are available to Canadians who are quarantined. If you are eligible, visit the EI sickness benefits page to apply.
Service Canada acknowledges some of us in rural communities might have difficulty accessing online services and are working to offer alternate service delivery methods during this time.
For the time being, Social Insurance Number (SIN) applications will only be accepted by mail.
All other program requests are on hold until service returns back to normal.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has given his daily COVID-19 briefing from his Rideau cottage home, saying Canadians need to ``keep it up.''
He concedes there are some small signs that social distancing and staying home are having a positive effect on the spread of COVID-19.
"The choices Canadians have made have had an impact on the overall numbers, but we need to keep it up. We need to continue to do what is nessecary to prevent the spread of COVID-19."
He has also announced a new travel restriction.
As of noon, Monday anyone exhibiting any signs of illness will not be allowed to board domestic aircraft or trains.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Public health officials have announced 25 additional probable cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in the province to 64.
Public health officials are investigating possible exposures of these cases.
Public gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises. This includes places of worship, gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals.
Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links-Info at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.
(Summary pulled from: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/)
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Even though the Countryfest Community Cinema’s doors are closed right now, they have still found a way to bring you movies to watch.
General Manager of the Cinema, Ron Suchoplas, succeeded in finding an online streaming company that’s willing to share 50% of the proceeds with our local cinema.
The two movies available for purchase right now are (1) Bacurau, and (2) Phoenix, Oregon.
Ron explains they are independent films, priced very reasonably.
As Ron puts it, it’s a chance for you to watch something totally different, while supporting a local business.
To directly support our local cinema, all you have to do is visit the Countryfest Community Cinema Website and click the “Video On Demand” tab.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
There are now 3 cases of COVID-19 in the Prairie Mountain Health region, according to the latest update from the Manitoba government.
Of those three cases, 2 are probable positive, and 1 is lab-confirmed.
At this time, PMH is not releasing specifics on the location, age, and gender of the individuals involved.
As a reminder, any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.
The latest information from the Manitoba government can be found here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The sudden economic impacts of COVID-19 is a significant challenge for Manitoba.
Finance Minister Scott Fielding announced a move to help ease the economic burden for businesses and to provide greater peace of mind for workers during these uncertain times.
The province is adding a temporary exception to employment standards regulations to give employers more time to recall employees laid off as a result of COVID-19.
That means employers will have more flexibility to recall employees once work picks up again, and avoid severing their employment.
Under current employment standards legislation, employees who have been laid off for eight or more weeks in a 16-week period are deemed to have been terminated and are entitled to wages in lieu of notice.
The minister noted the province will get rid of this exception once the Manitoba begins to recover economically.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Prairie Mountain Health is giving us an update on Dauphin’s COVID-19 community testing site.
The drive-thru testing site that was supposed to open Saturday at the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) service centre here in Dauphin, is now being relocated.
PMH says the testing site will be at a different location but has not said exactly where that would be.
Once a site is confirmed, that information will be released by PMH.
As a reminder, any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
