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Renovations are wrapping up at the Parkland Regional Library.

The library has been working on upgrades since November and plans to have them completed by the end of the month.

Parkland Regional Library Director Alison Moss says one of the major projects is the new vestibule.

“That is really going to change the front of the library, especially inside. It’s going to be a really fresh and bright look. We’re adding some lights, a heater, glass walls up to the ceiling, and new black doors.”

Moss adds that the upgrades are coming along nicely in the children’s area.

“Our log cabin will be moving into the children’s room. We’re just waiting on the vestibule and then we’ll have nice green carpets and the cabin will be installed with some lights, so it’ll be a really fun little reading nook.”

You can still access library services through curbside pick-up by calling 204-638-6410.

The Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual celebration online this week.

On Tuesday night starting at 7 p.m., the event will get underway starting with the awards ceremony followed by the annual general meeting.

Those who wish to attend virtually are encouraged to register online or by phone (204-622-3140) by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9th.

Some of the awards being given out this year include Business Person of the Year, Outstanding Business, and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The AGM will provide a review of 2020-2021 and the appointment of a new chamber president.

The AGM is set to begin at 8 p.m. and is free for members to attend.

The province announced 56 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday and two deaths.

The most recent deaths of people with COVID-19 in Manitoba are both women over the age of 80 from Winnipeg health care facilities.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 3.3% provincially and 2.3% in Winnipeg. The total number of lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba is 32,225.

There are 1,130 active cases and 30,188 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.

There are 48 people in hospital with active COVID-19 as well as 111 people in hospital who are no longer infectious but continue to require care (159 hospitalizations total).

There are nine people in intensive care units with active COVID-19 as well as 13 people who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care (22 ICU patients total).

The total number of deaths in people with COVID-19 is 907.

There have been a total of nine cases of COVID variants detected in Manitoba. Three are the South Africa variant of concern, and six are the variant first detected in the U.K.

Today’s new COVID-19 cases are from the following health regions:
• one cases in Interlake–Eastern health region
• 27 cases in the Northern health region
• one case in the Prairie Mountain Health region
• three cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region
• 24 cases in the Winnipeg health region

According to the province’s data, there are active cases of COVID-19 in the following Parkland health districts: Dauphin (0), Duck Mountain (2), Porcupine Mountain (3), Whitemud (1), and Asessippi (4). Brandon has 1 active case.

In the Interlake, the Eriksdale/Ashern health district has 2 active cases, while Fisher/Peguis has 4.

Public health officials announced 71 new cases of COVID-19 today and one death.

Today’s death was a woman in her 20’s from Winnipeg. Officials haven’t confirmed whether she had any underlying health issues.

Today’s new COVID-19 cases are in the following health regions:
• three cases in Interlake–Eastern health region 
• 45 cases in the Northern health region  
• zero cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region  
• five cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region
• 18 cases in the Winnipeg health region

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 3.1 percent provincially and 2.2 percent in Winnipeg. 

The total number of cases identified in Manitoba is 32,170. There have been a total of 905 deaths.

There are 1,114 active cases and 30,151 people have recovered from COVID-19. 

There are 46 people in hospital with active COVID-19 and 112 people in hospital who are no longer infectious but continue to require care, for a total of 158 hospitalizations. 

Nine people are in intensive care units with active COVID-19 as well as 14 people who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care, for a total of 23 ICU patients.

According to the province’s data, there are active cases of COVID-19 in the following Parkland health districts: Dauphin (0), Riding Mountain (0), Duck Mountain (2), Porcupine Mountain (2) and Asessippi (4). Brandon has 2 active cases.

In the Interlake, the Eriksdale/Ashern health district has 2 active cases, while Fisher/Peguis has 4.

Lundar RCMP have successfully located a teenage girl that was reported missing on Monday.

15-year-old Rosina Thomas has been safely located.

RCMP are thanking the public for their assistance.

The Manitoba government says the first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are expected to arrive in Manitoba next week.

They will then be distributed to participating medical clinics and pharmacies. 

The province is recommending this vaccine be provided to adults aged 50 to 64 years, with priority given to those at increased risk of experiencing serious outcomes. 

Those appointments cannot be booked at this time, and officials say more information will be released shortly regarding who should receive the vaccine and how to book an appointment.

Today Health Canada authorized the use of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.

Eligibility criteria is being expanded today to include individuals aged 87 or older or First Nation people aged 67 or older at the time of booking an appointment. 

The time period between first and second dose vaccinations is being extended up to four months — allowing more Manitobans to receive their first-dose immunization sooner. 

A "vaccination calculator" lets Manitobans see where they are in the vaccine priority line, based on their age, vaccine uptake and other factors. Click here to access the calculator to see your place in the vaccine line.

The provincial government has announced plans to revitalize the Dauphin Court House and repurpose the Dauphin jail.

An $11-million tender for the renovation and expansion of the historic Dauphin Court House has been awarded to Bockstael Construction.

Justice Minister Cameron Friesen says “this project is making critical enhancements and upgrades, and will ensure the facility is secure and effective for many years to come.”

A provincial release states the more than 100-year-old courthouse no longer meets current building codes and programming requirements.

The revitalization of the site will include:

• enhanced courthouse security, including more holdings cells, to keep the public and court staff safe while improving the efficiency of court proceedings

• improved interior and exterior accessibility including accessible washrooms and more accessible public, court and administrative spaces

• improved video-conferencing and meeting spaces for lawyers and their clients

• new administrative and office spaces for court staff, sheriff services and the judiciary

Health officials announced 54 new cases of COVID-19 today and one more death.

One of the new cases has been identified as a variant of concern, the B.1.351 variant first reported in South Africa.

Today’s new COVID-19 cases are in the following health regions:

• two cases in Interlake–Eastern health region 
• 33 cases in the Northern health region 
• one case in the Prairie Mountain Health region  
• four cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region
• 14 cases in the Winnipeg health region

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is three percent provincially and 2.4 percent in Winnipeg.

There has been a total of 32,104 cases province-wide and 904 deaths.

There are 1,133 active cases and 30,067 people who have recovered from COVID-19.

There are 55 people in hospital with active COVID-19 and 116 people in hospital who are no longer infectious but continue to require care, for a total of 171 hospitalizations. 

Nine people are in intensive care units with active COVID-19 as well as 15 people  who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care, for a total of 24 ICU patients.

According to the province’s data, there are active cases of COVID-19 in the following Parkland health districts: Dauphin (0), Riding Mountain (0), Duck Mountain (2), Porcupine Mountain (2) and Asessippi (4). Brandon has 2 active cases.

In the Interlake, the Eriksdale/Ashern health district has 2 active cases, while Fisher/Peguis has 4.

Manitoba officials have provided an update on the plan to begin widespread first-dose immunizations for First Nations communities in the province.

On Friday, Dr. Joss Reimer was joined for the announcement alongside Dr. Marcia Anderson, public health lead of the Manitoba First Nation Pandemic Response Coordination Team.

Dr. Anderson says First Nations communities at risk of flooding, fire, or losing winter road access will be prioritized first to help ensure those affected by spring or summer emergencies do not have those issues compounded by the pandemic. 

“We know First Nations people in Manitoba are more at risk of COVID-19 and at younger ages. In addition, many of these communities may face evacuation due to fires and floods or have geographical issues that make it hard to get there,” said Anderson. “It’s important to get needles into arms as soon as possible and detailed planning is now underway to schedule vaccinations in these communities.” 

It is expected that all eligible, consenting adults who live in these prioritized First Nations communities will have received their first dose by mid-May.

Canada has approved its fourth COVID-19 vaccine.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was approved by Health Canada today; it’s the countries only COVID vaccine that promises 85% protection from severe illness with a single dose.

The newly approved vaccine has less strict storage requirements than some of its competitors, requiring refrigeration rather than ultra-cold freezing.

Canada has secured 10 million shots of the vaccine and has plans to order up to 28 million more.

The first doses are expected to arrive in September.

Manitoba has relaxed more public health restrictions as of 12:01 a.m. this morning.

Nearly all Manitoba businesses are now clear to open — but indoor theatres, concert halls, casinos and bingo halls will still have to remain closed for now.

Under the new orders, Manitoba households have the option of continuing to designate two visitors to their home, or choosing to designate a second household who can visit with each other.

Starting today, capacity limits are being increased at restaurants, retail stores, malls and personal services to 50% or 250 people, whichever is lower. Restaurants in Manitoba must continue enforcing the one-household per table rule under the updated orders.

Places of worship can increase their capacity limit to 25% or 100 people, whichever is lower.

Gatherings sizes at outdoor places will be increased to 10.

Businesses other than casinos may resume operating video lottery terminals (VLTs) with physical distancing and barriers in place.

Recreation & Fitness Facilities

The province is also relaxing some of the rules for recreation and fitness facilities.

Indoor recreation and sporting facilities such as pools, fitness centres, rinks, courts and ranges can open at 25% total capacity.

But with the relaxed restrictions, not all recreation facilities in the province are ready to open right away. Dauphin Rec Services say they’re working on a plan to reschedule postponed fall swimming lessons as they slowly re-open the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre.

Dauphin Rec is keeping the ice in at Credit Union Place. Provincial rules currently allow teams to run practices and drills, but organized games are not allowed at this time.

Ice sessions are open for booking but the number of available slots is limited. 

The Town of Swan River reported yesterday that opening their recreation facilities “is not practical at this time” with the strenuous reopening requirements and extra costs associated with the new provincial guidelines.

The Town’s CAO Derek Poole thanked residents for their patience and understanding as they begin working through the process of making facilities available to the public.

The entire province remains under code red under the new public health orders.