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All 18 Fusion Credit Union branches will be making changes to best suit the needs of their community.
For our location here in Dauphin, that means limiting in-person transactions as much as possible.
CEO Ron Hedley explains Fusion is restricting access and encouraging people to do as much as they can online, without face to face contact.
This can be a challenge for those of us that don’t have access to the internet, and older folks that may not be as comfortable with online banking. But Ron tells us Fusion Credit Union is looking out for all their customers.
“Our older members are as important as anyone. We have been accommodating them with cash withdrawals. We will deliver cash to them too, if they require. It’s all working out well.”
If you need assistance, you can call the Dauphin branch at (204) 622-4500.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Almost all of the Dauphin Senior Centre’s services have been temporarily put on hold.
Program co-ordinator Kim Armstrong says they're continuing with their congregate meal program, but as per government instructions, can only operate only on a take-out basis. Kim says it’s scary to think of how many seniors in our community will resort to a “tea & toast” diet without the Centre’s meal delivery program.
Earlier in March, the Centre’s doors were unlocked, and seniors were still able to come in and exchange books and puzzles.
Now the doors are locked. Seniors can come ring the bell at the Centre and get some assistance, but services are very limited right now. The congregate meal program is one of the only services still running.
“We’re keeping the meal program as a service to the seniors that are able to participate in it. People may come in and pick up their meal, but they have to leave. There is no congregating here.”
According to Kim, all of the Centre’s objectives have ground to a halt. They still offer support where they can, but are not able to provide that essential 1-on-1, in-person service.
“We are concerned about our seniors being isolated. We understand the distancing directives, but these people are already at risk of isolation, and this is putting them into a whole new category.
“It’s something we were not prepared for. I don’t know how anyone could have prepared for this.”
For now, Kim is playing the waiting game, and says she’s thinking ahead to when the Centre can get back to doing what they do. At the same time, safe delivery of services is going to remain the priority.
The Dauphin Senior Center is still taking phone calls at this time to offer support however they can, at 204-638-6485.
You can also email get in touch by email, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and visit the Senior Centre website here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
We hope to see more daily COVID updates like this.
There is just one additional case of COVID-19 identified in Manitoba today.
Public health officials tell us the total number of probable and lab-confirmed cases in our province is now 204.
17 people are listed as recovered from the virus. The number of deaths remains at 2.
In the Prairie Mountain Health region, there are 11 lab-confirmed cases.
Yesterday there were 11 COVID screening tests conducted at the Dauphin drive-thru location. Since the first day of testing on April 2nd, Dauphin's COVID screening site has tested a total of 56 people.
Dr. Brent Roussin, our chief provincial public health officer, says if you’re heading outside to enjoy the spring weather, you need to be mindful of social distancing guidelines.
“It’s natural to want to get out and enjoy this weather," he says, "but we need to maintain physical distancing at all times. If you go to the park and you see many cars there, many people and it’s getting crowded, you need to turn back."
"We need to stay active, but not in large groups of people.”
Dr. Roussin notes the virus is mainly transferred through large droplets from the lungs. However, new evidence suggests people who have COVID-19 but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus.
With that being said, Canadian medical experts now agree that wearing a non-medical, homemade mask can help you protect others.
Keep in mind, you should not be using medical-grade masks, as they need to be reserved for our frontline medical professionals.
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
The fall of gas prices has slowed down or even stopped in some places.
Manitoba’s average dropped by 1.2 cents per litre in the past week, while gas in Dauphin hasn’t changed from the 74.9 c/L price last week on Monday.
According to Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy gas prices might be at their lowest.
“Average gasoline prices in Canada are showing signs they are near a bottom, holding at nearly the same level from a week ago, the lowest level since 2008, while crude oil prices have risen marginally. While a meeting between Saudi Arabia and Russia scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled, it appears possible the meeting will happen later in the week. The two parties have been expected to meet to discuss an oil production cut, which boosted oil prices nearly $7 per barrel last week on hopes it would materialize and eat into the global glut of crude oil. The outcome of the meeting has a potential to put a floor on gas prices, but without knowing what may happen, it's a bit premature to say with certainty that prices have bottomed out or not."
Including the change in gas prices in Manitoba during the past week, prices yesterday were 54.2 c/L lower than the same day a year ago, and 31.5 c/L lower than a month ago.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
When it comes to entertainment lately, Cameron Campbell and his family have been the heartbeat of the Parkland.
Campbell, from Kinosota, is a musician who usually performs across the province. However, with everything being cancelled or postponed because of COVID-19, Campbell has had to be creative with how he performs and the solution he's figured out has been a massive hit. Campbell has done several Facebook lives over the past few weeks as everyone practices social distancing and staying inside.
"We're trying to show appreciation to our fans and friends as well," said Campbell. "We know people are staying home right now and we want to provide them with some entertainment. We want to give back."
Back on March 20, Cameron and his father, Eldon performed their first Facebook live and they did so for 61 minutes. The video was liked over 450 times and there were over 450 comments along with just less than 100 shares. The video was also viewed more than 5000 times.
The family has also done several other videos over the past couple of weeks.
"It's been really awesome. Sometimes I see friends watching that I haven't heard from in a long time," continued Campbell. "I even see some friends from Jamaica, it's been really cool."
If you're looking for something fun to watch, you can check out all of Cameron's videos on his Facebook page. You can also stay tuned for new videos in the coming days and weeks.
"We're actually getting quite a few requests. We love doing this and it's easy to do something when you're having fun," added Campbell. "We'll continue doing this, there's no doubt, we're having fun so why not."
Campbell is also challenging other musicians to get in on the action and make their own videos. Or if you have another talent and you want to lift some spirits up, Campbell would love if you did.
"We just want people to do what they love and do it from the heart," concluded Campbell. "People are looking for something to do right now besides watching the TV."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the province has decided to postpone the remaining dates for campground reservations.
Reservation openings scheduled for April 6th and April 8th will eventually be rescheduled.
At this time, we’re expecting reservations for group-use sites, cabins and yurts to resume Friday, April 17th.
The provincial government says any current reservations will remain valid, but could change depending on how the COVID situation evolves.
You can find more information here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Today some Canadians can start applying for the Emergency Response Benefit.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a federal program that offers $500 a week for up to 16 weeks, to eligible Canadians. The CRA has staggered the application dates to limit the influx of applications they receive at one time.
To be eligible for the benefit, you must be a Canadian resident that’s at least 15 years old, and has stopped working because of COVID-19; not because you voluntarily quit your job. You also must have an income of at least $5,000 in 2019, or in the 12 months prior to the date of application.
Today they are accepting applications from Canadians with birthdays in January, February, and March.
Anyone born in April, May, and June applies on Tuesday.
Anyone born in July, August, and September should apply on Wednesday.
Anyone born in October, November, and December can apply on Thursday. For anyone who missed their day to apply, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be open for all applications.
Canadians who select the direct deposit option could see their first payment before the end of the week.
For more information on applying, and check if you qualify, visit the Government of Canada CERB website.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Tonight’s city council meeting in Dauphin will look a bit different than anything we’ve seen in the past.
According to city staff, the meeting will be conducted virtually by offering a link to join electronically. Keep in mind, it's no easy task to pull off this live broadcast on such short notice.
The meeting gets underway at 5 pm. You can watch the live stream here.
The previous city council meeting on March 23rd featured several councillors joining by phone, to help support social distancing guidelines from public health.
It appears council is now ramping up those safety measures; even media will not be permitted in the building this time around.
CKDM will be monitoring the virtual feed to bring you all the important information from tonight’s meeting.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The Dauphin Safe Grad planning committee want the graduating class at DRCSS to know they’re working hard to make sure students still have an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment.
One of the ideas on the table is postponing Safe Grad until it’s safer to host such a large group of people. There are approximately 150 graduates, with 900-1000 people expected at the banquet.
As for a timeline, Safe Grad President Roslyn Amendt tells CKDM the big celebration could happen near the end of August, but possibly even later than that.
She says many grads have already purchased their suits and dresses, and are looking forward to this opportunity to celebrate and wish each other well as they move on to the next stage of life.
“I think the kids have been really sad, and very worried what it’s going to look like and whether they’re going to have something. As parents, we’re trying to send the message that we still want them to have something, we’re trying to give them hope and keep their spirits up at this time.”
The Safe Grad 50/50 fundraiser is still running until April 12th. Roslyn explains it was set up before the quarantine, and is encouraging the community to participate because the committee still need funds to plan something different for this year’s grads.
You can but 50/50 tickets online by clicking here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The latest update from public health officials has revealed 9 more cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba.
That brings the total number of probable and lab-confirmed cases in the province to 203. Two people have died.
Seventeen people are listed as recovered from COVID-19.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin is maintaining one of the best things you can do to limit the spread is stay home, and only go out for essentials.
That recommendation also applies to large family gatherings over the holidays.
“There will be a time when we can have these get-togethers again. This is not that time. Now is a time to stay home.”
However, Dr. Roussin says social distancing does not mean social isolation, and he's encouraging all Manitobans to stay connected to friends, family and loved ones in a safe manner.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory has performed a total of 12,998 tests. Dr. Roussin is commending our provincial lab for getting through a backlog of tests, and their effort to reduce their testing turnaround time to between 24-48 hours.
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
Lorraine Yury's doctor recommended she temporarily stop working her job with child and family services during the COVID outbreak, due to her underlying health issues. But two of her family members with asthma still have to go into work.
With their safety in mind, she has begun crafting homemade masks.
Lorraine has plenty of sewing experience, and now with some free time on her hands, is making protective homemade face masks for her family and friends. After doing some research, she decided to start producing double-sided, 100% cotton masks.
Health Canada are warning that handmade face masks have their limitations; they may not provide complete protection against virus-sized particles, and may provide a false sense of security.
However there are some encouraging signs that homemade masks can serve as an effective reminder to keep you from touching your face. They’re also becoming more popular with the public as the medical-grade masks used in hospitals are running in short supply.
This follows news out of the United States, where the CDC is recommending Americans wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Lorraine plans to keep sewing her masks, and hopes to donate some to people in our community that are at a high risk developing severe complications if they were to contract COVID-19.
For more advice and resources on how to best protect yourself and your community, visit the Government of Canada COVID-19 website.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
