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Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is preparing for worst-case scenarios when it comes to the purchase and distribution of crucial medical equipment for COVID-19.
Thornhill Medical, Medico, and Spartans Bioscience are teaming up to manufacture more medical supplies such as respirators, surgical masks, and test kits.
Trudeau also announced that the government is allocating two billion dollars to purchase personal protective equipment for provinces and health care workers.
Trudeau encourages people to stay home to ease the demand for supplies.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today that K-12 schools in Manitoba will be suspended indefinitely for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.
The initial suspension of Manitoba schools was set to expire on April 13. However, Goertzen alongside Premier Brian Pallister announced the suspension for the remainder of this school year.
"If prior to the regularly scheduled conclusion of the school year, the Public Health Officer deems it safe to open our schools, we will eagerly welcome our students back," said Goertzen from inside the Manitoba Legislature earlier today.
School buildings will remain closed; however, child care centres will continue operating under new guidelines which will be announced shortly. Teachers will be able to access their resources to ensure that learning from home for students continues.
Student’s marks will be held where they were on the last day of regular classes. If you are a grade 12 student and you were on pace to graduate, you will indeed graduate. Students will be able to increase their marks through their additional "home" learning.
Grade 12 provincial exams have been cancelled. All students will receive assignments, final marks, and assessments.
"We are actively working with school divisions to find best practices and enhance their existing resources," continued Goertzen.
For kindergarten to grade 8 students, teachers will continue to engage with students and parents using existing communication skills so students can continue to learn from home. When it comes to students in grades 9-12, they will continue to learn using online distance resources. More information will be provided on those resources when it becomes available.
When speaking about grade 12 students across the province, Goertzen understands this is a tough time for the so many students that were looking forward to graduating.
"We know that grade 12 students have such a bright future, this isn't how they envisioned their final year, so many have been looking forward to going through the graduating ceremony for years," he concluded. "This is about their futures and making sure they're safe."
Stay tuned for more including a conversation with Dan Ward, Superintendent of Mountain View School Division.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The province has thrown a bit of a lifeline to restaurants struggling to keep business flowing during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Restaurants will be allowed to sell wine, beer, and single-serve beverages along with food take-out and delivery service.
Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced the measure yesterday, saying licensed businesses have expressed a strong interest in continuing liquor sales.
This is after the provincial government ordered the closure of all dine-in eating at restaurants and commercial facilities serving food, from April 1st to at least April 14th.
Pricing for liquor take-out and delivery will be the same as the regular dine-in pricing for that business.
During this time, liquor stores are designated as a critical-service and will remain open, with slightly adjusted hours.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
All non-critical businesses in Manitoba have been ordered to close by the provincial government.
Businesses deemed non-critical must close as of April 1st, until at least April 14th.
That means the closure of bars, hair salons and massage therapy offices.
Restaurants will not be allowed to have customers dine-in, but pick up and delivery is okay as long as the establishment adheres to social distancing guidelines.
Here’s a list of businesses that are able to choose to remain open at this time:
Supply chains
1. A business
(a) that provides another business listed in this Schedule with goods or services necessary for the business to operate, including transportation and logistics management relating to those goods or services; or
(b) that supports or facilitates the two-way movement of essential goods within integrated North American and global supply chains.
Retail and wholesale
2. A business that provides, either by wholesale or by retail sale, food or household consumer goods necessary for the safety, sanitation or operation of residences and businesses. Such a business includes a grocery store, supermarket, convenience store, butcher shop, bakery, market, hardware store and any other similar wholesale or retail business.
3. A business that provides personal protective equipment or protective clothing for use in the workplace.
4. A business that provides essential goods and services for the health and well-being of animals, including animal feed, pet food, and animal supplies such as bedding.
5. A gas station or other business that provides diesel, aviation, propane, heating fuel or other fuel used to power a motor vehicle, aircraft or watercraft.
6. A business that provides office supplies and services. The supplies and services include computer products and related repair and maintenance services for businesses and for individuals working from home.
7. A business that holds a retail liquor licence, a manufacturer's licence, including a manufacturer's licence with a retail endorsement, or a retail cannabis licence or that is authorized by the Government of Canada to produce cannabis.
Accommodations
8. A hotel or motel or a business that provides rental units or similar living accommodations, including student residences. Institutional, residential, commercial and industrial maintenance
9. A business that provides support and maintenance services, including urgent repair, to maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties, and includes:
(a) property management services, including residential snow clearing;
(b) services provided by skilled trades, such as plumbers, electricians and HVAC
technicians;
(c) custodial or janitorial services and cleaning services;
(d) fire safety and sprinkler systems installation and monitoring; and
(e) similar services provided by other service providers.
Telecommunications and information technology
10. A business that provides telecommunications services, such as phones and cell phones, internet services and radio, as well as support facilities necessary for support and service delivery, such as a call centre.
11. A business that provides information technology, and includes online services, software products and related support services, as well as technical facilities such as data centres and other network facilities.
Communications industries
12. A business that provides information through radio or television broadcasting, telecommunication services or newspaper publications.
Transportation
13. A business that provides transportation services necessary for the activities of daily living.
14. A business that provides transportation services to other businesses or individuals by road, rail, air or water, including a business that provides logistical support, distribution services or warehousing and storage, or truck stops.
15. A business that services or repairs vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, bicycles and includes car, truck and farm equipment dealerships and related facilities and auto supply stores and other similar retail businesses.
16. A business that provides towing services or roadside repair assistance.
17. A business that provides goods and services for the operation, maintenance and safety of the road, rail, air and water transportation systems.
18. A business that provides maintenance services such as clearing snow and completing necessary repairs to the transportation system.
Manufacturing and production
19. A business that manufactures or processes goods or materials, including a component manufacturer or a business that produces inputs used by another manufacturer. Agriculture and food production
20. A business that is engaged in farming, harvesting, processing, manufacturing, producing or distributing food or farm products such as crops, animal products and by-products or beverages.
21. A business that is engaged in fishing, hunting or aquaculture.
22. A business that supports the food supply chain, including assembly yards, livestock auctions, food distribution hubs, feed mills, farm equipment suppliers, feed suppliers, food terminals and warehouses, animal processing plants and grain elevators.
23. A business that supplies agricultural producers with necessary products or services, such as seed, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, agricultural equipment, custom application of herbicides and pesticides and the repair of agricultural equipment.
24. A business that supports the safety of food, including animal and plant health and animal well-being.
25. A business that provides veterinary services or that supplies veterinary or animal control medications and related supplies and testing kits.
26. A business involved in ensuring the safe and effective management of animal waste, and includes a business responsible for the disposal of dead animals, rendering, nutrient management and biohazardous materials treatment or disposal.
Construction
27. A business engaged in construction work or services in the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors, including demolition services and expanding, renovating, converting or repurposing existing spaces.
28. A business engaged in construction work or services that are required to ensure safe and reliable operations of provincial and municipal infrastructure.
29. A business engaged in construction work or services that supports environmental rehabilitation projects.
Finance
30. A business engaged in the capital markets.
31. A bank, credit union or caisse populaire.
32. A business that is a payday lender or a cheque-cashing service.
33. A business that provides insurance services, and includes the adjustment of insurance claims.
34. A business that provides pension services and employee benefits services.
35. A business that provides financial services, including any of the following:
(a) payment processing;
(b) the payroll division of any employer or an entity whose operation is the administration of payroll.
36. A business that deals in securities or manages financial portfolios.
Natural resources
37. A business engaged in the extraction or processing of natural resources, such as minerals,
forest products, oil and gas, or aggregates, including a business engaged in the production or
sale of biofuels.
38. A business engaged in natural resource exploration and development.
39. A business that provides supplies or materials used in the natural resource sector.
40. A business that supplies or ensures the supply of natural resources, such as petroleum and petroleum by-products or aggregate, to other businesses.
41. A business that supports the health and safety of natural resource extraction or processing operations.
Environmental services
42. A business that supports environmental management or monitoring services or that provides environmental clean-up and response services or services in respect of industrial sewage or effluent, and includes environmental consulting firms, septic haulers, portable toilet suppliers, well drillers, pesticide applicators and exterminators.
43. A business that provides laboratory services in respect of water or wastewater.
44. A business engaged in waste collection or recycling, waste and sewage treatment and disposal, the operation of a landfill or hazardous waste disposal. Utilities and public works
45. A business that operates a utility, and includes a business that provides goods, materials and services needed for the delivery of utilities, such as potable drinking water, electricity and natural gas.
46. A business engaged in or supporting the operation, maintenance or repair of provincial or municipal infrastructure, such as railways, dams, bridges, highways, erosion control structures and water control works.
Research
47. A business that maintains research facilities and engages in research, including medical research and other research and development activities.
48. A business that provides goods and services that support research activities. Health care, seniors care and social services
49. A business that provides land medical emergency response services, air medical response services or stretcher transportation services.
50. A business that provides home care services.
51. A child and family services authority and a child and family services agency.
52. A business that operates a personal care home, supportive housing or an assisted living
facility.
53. A business that provides personal support services in home or provides residential services for children or for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, including developmental disabilities.
54. A business that provides or supports the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, or social services and other necessities of life to economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals, including food banks, family violence and abuse shelters, homeless shelters, community housing, supportive housing, services that promote or protect the welfare of children, services to newcomers, and custody and detention programs for persons in
conflict with the law.
55. A business, including a pharmacy or other business, engaged in the manufacturing, wholesaling, distribution or retail sale of pharmaceutical goods and medical supplies, such as medications, medical isotopes, vaccines and antivirals, medical devices and medical supplies.
56. A business engaged in providing logistic services or manufacturing or distributing goods or services that support the delivery of health care, and includes a business that provides laboratory services.
57. A business that provides mental health or addictions supports or services, such as counselling.
58. A business that provides goods or services that support the health sector including the sale, rental or repair of assistive devices, mobility devices or medical devices, and other similar devices or supplies.
Justice sector
59. A business that provides professional or social services supports in the justice system. Professional services
60. A lawyer, paralegal, accountant, translator, veterinarian, engineer or geoscientist.
61. A regulatory body of a profession.
Other businesses
62. A business that provides rental and leasing services, including renting or leasing automobiles and commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment.
63. A business that provides mailing, shipping, courier or delivery services, including post office boxes.
64. A business that operates a laundromat or provides dry cleaning or laundry services.
65. A business that provides funeral, mortician, cremation, transfer or burial services, or any related goods and products such as coffins and embalming fluid.
66. A business that operates a land registration service, provides real estate services or moving services.
67. A business that provides security services, including private security guards, or provides monitoring or surveillance equipment and services.
68. A business that provides staffing services, including temporary help.
69. A business that provides tax preparation services.
70. A business that provides travel consulting services.
71. A business that supports the safe operations of residences and critical businesses.
72. A business that provides arboriculture or lawn care services.
73. A business that provides for the health and well-being of animals, including farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums, research facilities and other service providers.
74. A business that provides child care services for essential workers, and home child care services provided for eight or fewer children.
To view today's entire update from the provincial government, click here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
UPDATE:
The RCMP has charged 20-year-old Phoenix Austin Maytwayashing, from Lake Manitoba First Nation, with Second Degree Murder in relation to the homicide.
He's been remanded into custody and he will appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court today.
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On Thursday around 6:40 p.m., Lundar RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence located on the Lake Manitoba First Nation.
Upon their arrival, officers located an unresponsive 35-year-old female who was pronounced deceased on scene.
As a result, a 20-year-old male has been arrested and he's currently in police custody and the investigation continues.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
In our daily COVID-19 update, chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin and Premier Brian Pallister announced 24 more cases of the virus. The total number of probable and lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba is now 96.
In the Prairie Mountain Health Region, there are a total of 9 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Roussin says the province will not be releasing specific information about locations of positive cases within the PMH region. He says you should be taking the same precautionary measures, regardless of the possible proximity of COVID-19 cases in your area.
“It does not help the public to know the specific locations, because we are asking everyone to stay home and practice social distancing.”
Dr. Roussin reports there is still only one death related to the virus, and there are currently 4 people in hospital receiving care because of COVID-19.
The premier also announced a significant public health order that will take effect on April 1st.
All non-critical businesses will have to close, from April 1st until April 14th. To view a full list of which businesses will be staying open, click here.
The premier noted this closure timeframe may be extended as the province continues to evaluate the situation around the outbreak.
“All restaurants and other commercial facilities that serve food are prohibited from serving food to customers in their premises. This prevents eat-in dining at all facilities. However, restaurants and other commercial facilities can prepare and serve food for delivery or takeout.”
This closure order does not prevent these businesses from operating on a remote basis.
To find out which businesses are listed as critical or non-critical, see our other article.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
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
