COVID-19 Daily updates - Friday, Mar. 27
- Details
- Published on Friday, March 27, 2020
4:19 p.m. Location of Dauphin COVID-19 test site reconsidered
Prairie Mountain Health has announced that it is currently working on confirming a COVID-19 community testing site location in Dauphin. The original location, a Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) service centre, has been reconsidered by health officials.
Health officials with the region are working diligently to secure a new location in the community that better suits the unique needs required of a testing site. Once a site is confirmed, more information will be released.
COVID-19 is spread by direct and prolonged exposure (longer than 10 minutes) or contact with an infected person. Community members are reminded to seek factual, up-to-date information about the virus at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
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.
1:35 p.m. Province establishing COVID-19 travel checkstops
The Manitoba government will establish five highway checkpoints and provide information in airports to help inform travellers about the public health measures in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen and Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today.
“We must do everything we can to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and on our health-care system,” said Cullen. “This approach will help ensure travellers know they must self-isolate, what the province’s state of emergency means to them and other important public health information. By being informed, we can reduce the risk to Manitobans and help keep our communities healthy and safe.”
Travellers will receive information about Manitoba’s current state of emergency, public health orders issued under The Public Health Act, and the need to immediately self-isolate for 14 days after travel in Canada or internationally. If Manitobans need assistance with groceries, prescription pickup and other services, they are encouraged to go to www.HelpNextDoorMB.ca.
Cullen noted this kind of proactive measure to inform travellers and help slow the spread of COVID-19 is critical.
Checkpoints will be located at the:
• Ontario border:
- Trans-Canada Highway East (West Hawk Lake/Falcon Lake);
• Saskatchewan border:
- Trans-Canada Highway West (west of Kirkella/Elkhorn/Virden);
- PTH 16 (west of Russell);
- PTH 5W (west of Roblin); and
- PTH 2 (west of Sinclair/Reston/Souris).
“We expect these checkpoints to be operational this week, staffed by provincial employees,” said Schuler. “Drivers can expect to see roadside signage to help direct them to the checkpoints and support traffic safety.”
These checkpoints are established under the authority of The Public Health Act. No one will be denied entry into Manitoba at these locations.
Signage will also be placed at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and the Brandon Municipal Airport to ensure people arriving on domestic flights have similar information.
The province continues to rely on the recommendations of the chief provincial public health officer and encourages all Manitobans to engage in good social distancing protocols including practising following the 3P’s – protect yourself, protect your loved ones and protect your community. For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
Effective March 23, public health officials recommended anyone who returns from international or domestic travel should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return. This recommendation does not include:
• the commercial transportation of goods;
• workers who live in a neighbouring jurisdiction and travel to Manitoba for work;
• health care workers who travel to work from outside the province; and
• normal personal travel in border communities including visits to a cottage.
11:12 a.m. New COVID-19 cases confirmed in Manitoba
Public health officials advise three additional probable cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Manitoba, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases to 39 at this time. Manitoba has also recorded its first patient death. Patient specific details are not being released at this time.
Public health investigations are underway to determine additional details and to confirm the possible exposure of this/these case/cases.
As authorized under The Public Health Act, the following measures will be in place, effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Mar. 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.
10:34 a.m. Ottawa annouces new economic measures to help small businesses
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has released some details on new support for small business to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. Trudeau said that the federal government is increasing a payrool subsidy to 75 per cent of salaries, a major increase over the orginal 10 per cent subsidy plan.
The subsidy will be retroactive to mid-March and is part of several new measures unveiled today. Trudeau did not provide specific details on what is required for a business to tap into the subsidy, though he did indicate that more information would be made public on Monday.
The federal government is also launching a special emergency business account for small businesses that will see banks offer $40,000 government-guaranteed loans interest-free for the first year. If certain conditions are met, the first $10,000 will be forgiven.
During his morning media conference, Trudeau said he hopes these measures will allow employers to retain staff through this global pandemic and help keep businesses afloat.
10:20 a.m. Province launches anxiety coping program related to COVID-19
The Manitoba government is investing in the mental health of Manitobans by introducing a program to help address anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
“Pandemics bring about a high level of stress and anxiety, and the health and well-being of Manitobans continues to be our priority during this uncertain time,” said Pallister. “Many of us are feeling concerns over whether we will get sick, the health of our families, the security of our jobs, being isolated from our loved ones and many other variables. As part of our emergency response to COVID-19, we are introducing an easily accessible virtual option to help support Manitobans.”
To help Manitobans experiencing mild to moderate anxiety due to COVID-19, the province is partnering with Morneau Shepell, Canada’s leading provider of technology-enabled HR services, to launch an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) program free of charge to all Manitobans 16 years old and over. The province will spend $4.5 million to provide these services to Manitobans for up to a year.
Morneau Shepell launched this digital therapy program last week in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new program is guided by professional therapists and addresses anxiety symptoms related to the uniquely challenging aspects of pandemics: uncertainty, physical isolation, caring for family and community members, information overload and stress management.
Morneau Shepell’s national network includes thousands of therapists experienced in dealing with the psychological impact of various traumatic events. Program participants also have access to live crisis counsellors who are available 24-7 if any risk of harm or crisis is identified.
The program will be available in English and French in the coming weeks at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
Pallister noted this is an additional resource to supplement a number of mental health organizations funded by the Manitoba government. Existing organizations that provide crisis support via phone, text and video conference will continue to provide support through the pandemi
