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Chief provincial public health officer Dr Brent Roussin is assuring Manitobans that we are pretty well “set up” to safely move into Phase Two of reopening the economy.
He delivered that message last night on a phone call, alongside the ministers of Health and Education.
As even more businesses will soon be allowed to reopen, Dr Roussin stressed the importance of Manitobans staying home if they have any symptoms of being sick.
He called this one of the most important rules to follow as we get acquainted with our new normal.
Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen says classroom learning will be cancelled for the rest of the year, but schools will be able to be accessed by students, teachers, and day camps.
Also, Health Minister Cameron Friesen did say he thinks we’re getting close to allowing religious groups to gather in their places of worship, as long as considerations are made with regards to capacity.
Friesen adds that one of the most important areas of focus is preventing the importation of this virus, from outside of Manitoba.
We still have not been given a date for when all these Phase Two measures will take effect, but officials are indicating it will be soon.
While Phase Two is still ongoing, Roussin says Phase 3 is hopefully not too far in the future.
Travel restrictions will be in place for the foreseeable future, as the province doesn't want to import the virus.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Cybercriminals are now targeting the insurance industry and their customers.
That’s what we’re hearing from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) — who are saying the scams can come in as a phone call requesting payment, or as a phishing email.
To avoid falling victim to the scam, customers are advised to avoid sharing any financial information over the phone if they receive an unexpected call from an Autopac agent.
If you were expecting a call from your Autopac agent, take extra steps to verify the person you’re talking to is actually an MPI agent. Try asking about specific details about the ongoing transaction.
When in doubt: do not share any financial information, end the conversation, and call your Autopac agent.
Customers are also advised to avoid clicking on any links online that request financial information.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) rebate cheques have been mailed out.
The average policyholder can expect between $140- $160. The amount will depend on how much you paid last year.
Earlier in the month, MPI announced that a drop in claims created a $110 million dollar surplus that will be given back to policyholders.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
The Community Foundation of Swan Valley has been given $40,000 to support local charities responding to COVID-19.
The funding is part of a new partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross.
The funding is part of the Government of Canada’s $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund.
CFSV chair says “This is a vital step in the fight against COVID-19. Local charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. We’re looking forward to flowing funds quickly to ensure no one in our community is left behind. “
Beginning May 26, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley will start accepting applications for funding, and funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
No new COVID-19 cases have been announced by the Province today, leaving the total number of cases at 292.
At this time no people are in the hospital or intensive care, and the number of deaths remains at 7.
There are 16 active cases and 269 people have recovered.
For the most up to date information, click here.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister made a couple of announcements in his 11 a.m. press conference Tuesday morning.
The province is extending $4.6 million to low-income Manitobans with disabilities.
Under the Disability Economic Support Program, each of these Manitobans will be mailed a $200 cheque in early June for one-time support, which will not be considered taxable income and won’t affect any other benefits received.
Pallister says “Manitobans living with disabilities may be facing additional costs to adjust to the new realities of daily life during the pandemic. As we respond to these challenges together, our government is making an important investment to help address urgent needs.”
More information about the Disability Economic Support Program is available here.
In a joint statement with the premiers of British Columbia and Yukon, Pallister says he's pleased the federal government is looking at a sick leave program that protects people and businesses
He says paid sick leave is crucial for the safe restart of our economy and the trio of premiers tell us they're committed to working with the prime minister and other provinces and territories to move forward and ensure all Canadians have the protection they need during this pandemic.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Ongoing wildfires in the Camperville and Pine Creek First Nation area are still burning, but are mostly under control.
David Schafer is the Director of the province’s Wildfire Program, and tells CKDM crews made some good progress over the weekend.
The wildfires are now classified as being held, and crews have secured the perimeter and continue to put out hotspots.
The Manitoba Wildfire Service classifies wildfires using the following categories:
- Not Under Control
- Being Held (crews have stopped the spread of the fire)
- Under Control (strong established perimeters; chance of escape is very limited)
- Extinguished
“So it’s in a state of being held, they’ve secured the perimeter, but they still have a lot of work ahead of them.”
The area where the fires are burning didn’t see much of that rain this weekend, but some cooler temperatures did help the cause.
Officials say damage to property has been limited to just 1 home and 1 garage on Pine Creek First Nation.
The Director of the Wildfire Program is reminding Manitobans to refrain from any open burning — and to be careful with everything.
“There’s a concern in regard to people lighting fires and walking away from them. We need to be vigilant and make sure that is not happening.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Paramedic Services Week (May 24-30) provides an opportunity to acknowledge the important role that paramedics play on the front lines of the healthcare system.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of that role, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel are now dealing with some added uncertainty.
Chief nursing officer for Shared Health Lanette Siragusa commends EMS personnel for their ability to handle unpredictable situations in uncontrolled environments every day.
“We just want to thank the paramedics for the dedication they show to improve patient outcomes, and their fantastic professionalism.”
An informative guide has been released detailing how you can best support paramedics as they carry out their duties during the COVID situation. You can access it here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Following a weekend with no new cases of COVID-19 identified in Manitoba, the province is starting the week in a similar fashion.
With no new cases identified Monday, there are 17 active cases in the province, and nobody in hospital because of the virus. The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 remains at 7.
Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin encourages Manitobans to stay home when they are ill.
“It is safe to see your healthcare providers, so I would encourage Manitobans to continue to do so — but if you’re ill, stay home.”
Testing for COVID has now been opened up to everyone in Manitoba. The online screening tool can be accessed here.
Details about the draft plan for Phase Two of Manitoba's service restoration are now online.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The partial reopening of national parks will be a welcomed change for many of us in the Parkland.
Starting on June 1st, Parks Canada will gradually restore some services; allowing day use of trails and some outdoor spaces.
By June 21st, we could see campgrounds reopen in Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP), as long as Parks Canada deems it safe to proceed at that time.
As Manitoba’s provincial parks have already been cleared to reopen, the decision to keep RMNP closed has drawn a fair bit of criticism.
Businesses in Wasagaming have taken a big hit to start the season — with many finding it difficult to encourage guests to visit while the national park’s coveted green spaces and trails are closed to the public.
The federal government made the decision to close national parks in March, to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Parks Canada officials are expected to release more details about the June 1st reopening plan in the coming days. You can find the latest updates from park officials here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Dauphin City Council will convene virtually on Monday night — and councillors will have plenty of discussions around the easing COVID restrictions.
One item on the agenda is a recommendation from Dauphin Recreation Services (DRS) to reopen the following playgrounds beginning June 1st:
• Vermillion Park Playground
• Kerr Avenue Playground (East end of Kerr Avenue)
• Kirby Park (Corner of Kirby Avenue W and Hedderly Street)
• Kinette Park (Corner of 5th Avenue SW and 2nd Street SW)
• McDonald’s Playground (Parkland Recreation Complex 200 1st st.SE)
• Park Crescent Playground
• West End Playground (Corner of Railway Avenue and William Street)
• D-Town Plaza Skate Park
Under the directive of Public Health, Council decided on April 6 to close DRS playgrounds to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
As the province gradually eases restrictions during the reopening of Manitoba’s economy, the City of Dauphin will have to make some decisions on how to respond.
With Phase Two of reopening around the corner — and in light of the province allowing larger gatherings of people — the City of Dauphin seems like it will keep facilities operating as-is for now. That means City Hall is open for payments and other meetings by appointment, the Shop and Water Treatment Plant remains closed to the public; and the Fire Hall is open.
Council will also discuss what their meetings will look like going forward — and whether or not they'll continue with virtual meetings, or possibly return to in-person sittings sometime in the near future.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
