COVID-19 daily update - Wednesday, May 20
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, May 20, 2020
1:08 p.m. Zero new COVID cases; New changes to group gathering numbers effective Friday, May 22
Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 290.
The data also shows:
• one individual is currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 23 active cases and 260 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.
As of yesterday, an additional 245 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 35,820.
The significant efforts taken by Manitobans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 continue to have the desired effect and portions of the Phase 2 reopening plan can now be implemented. As of Friday, May 22 public health orders will be modified to increase the limit on gathering size to no more than 25 people for indoor premises and 50 for outdoor areas, providing social distancing measures are in place. Other changes such as an expansion of the types of businesses that can reopen are being discussed and more details will be announced once those decisions are made.
In addition, work is underway to allow limited, outdoor visitation at personal care homes. Individual facilities are putting procedures in place and will be contacting families directly to provide details including the start date, locations and hours for visitation. Facilities are expected to have this in place by Friday, May 29. This is not a return to normal but does provide a balance between ensuring the health of residents while retaining access to social connections. Enhanced screening will occur upon arrival along with hand hygiene and physical distancing. A maximum of two visitors will be allowed at a time. Indoor visits will remain suspended for now, except for compassionate reasons.
For up-to-date information on testing criteria and community screening sites, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html. For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.
A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.
11:24 a.m. $10 million in grants announced to help restart provincial economy
The Manitoba government is providing $10 million in grants to support 344 projects for community development projects as part of restarting the provincial economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
“We are committed to supporting projects that will help build thriving, sustainable communities and a better future for Manitobans,” said Pallister. “These grants will help give community organizations a much-needed boost during this unprecedented time and this investment is another way our government is helping rebuild Manitoba’s economy.”
The premier noted the Manitoba government is increasing this year’s investment by 25 per cent in the Building Sustainable Communities program, which was developed to help provide a high quality of life for Manitobans by responding to neighbourhood, municipal and regional priorities.
“We are boosting our support for community projects as we work together to rebuild the Manitoba economy,” said Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires. “We know these have been challenging times for many Manitobans, but by working together, we will get through this.”
The Manitoba government’s investment of $10 million will support an investment of over $28 million in a wide variety of community projects, ranging from playground upgrades, community building repairs, accessibility upgrades, to sports equipment and outdoor amenities like nature trails.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) commends the Province of Manitoba for providing these timely investments to help build stronger communities,” said Ralph Groening, president, AMM. “During a time of economic uncertainty and tremendous financial pressures due to COVID-19, the Building Sustainable Communities Program is vital to help promote greater economic development and thriving local communities across Manitoba.”
Specific projects will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
The Building Sustainable Communities program provides grants to non-profit and charitable organizations, municipalities, and Northern Affairs community councils. The program provides a maximum provincial contribution of up to 50 per cent of total eligible project costs to a maximum grant of $75,000.
To receive funding, organizations must comply with physical distancing requirements and practices for the pandemic as directed by the chief provincial public health officer. Organizations that cannot comply with public health orders will be invited to resubmit alternative project proposals that support community development activities.
For more information about the program, visit www.manitobago.ca.
