COVID-19 UPDATE
The following information is current as of Sunday, March 29:
 
1) As of Sunday, March 29, public health officials advised the number of lab-confirmed positive and presumptive positive cases in Manitoba is now at 72.  
 

 

 

4) To help Manitobans experiencing mild to moderate anxiety due to COVID-19, the province is partnering with Morneau Shepell to launch an  internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) program free of charge to all Manitobans 16 years old and over . 
 

5) Manitobans can expect an  extension of the school closure period  according to Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen. Although originally scheduled to re-instate in-class studies on April 13, this looks unlikely. More information to follow this week.
 

6) Public health officials continue advising all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel (international/ within Canada.) There shouldn't be any recreational, tourist, or non-essential personal travel. Anyone who returns from travel, either international or domestic, should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return. If symptoms develop during 14-day self-isolation or self-monitoring period, Manitobans should contact  Health Links-Info Sante  to determine if testing for COVID-19 should be considered.
 

7) Information about flights where a person with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 had symptoms at the time of travel is updated as information becomes available at  www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/flights.html
 

8) Fifteen community testing sites are now open throughout the province including six drive-through locations. A referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information about sites is available at  www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.htm
 
To access all Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living COVID-19 bulletins:  https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html

TOOLS & RESOURCES
FROM MANITOBA LEGAL FIRMS
Very special thanks to all Manitoba legal firms producing and making available excellent content to support businesses in this unprecedented time.

The links below will take you to their respective resource centres for valuable guidance, topical articles, frequently asked questions, and more.
 

BUYLOCAL.LY
Buylocal.ly is a free directory to help match shoppers with local restaurants, shops and services  that are open, and which enables businesses to share info about how they're accommodating current conditions, (ie, if they have reduced hours, delivery and curbside pick-up options, etc). 
 
Supporting local businesses now means helping secure their future in your community.  If you're a small business located anywhere in Manitoba, list yourself for FREE on this platform!

IMPORTANT FEDERAL UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
1) The Government of Canada announced Friday that they are i ncreasing the wage subsidy top-up initially launched at 10% to 75% for small to medium businesses .  Details such as eligibility and application process are still forthcoming, but this is exactly what the Chamber network has advocated. We believe this will make a substantial difference to SME's ability to keep staff on payroll. 
 

2) The Quarantine Act has been enacted, mandating all international travellers returning to Canada to self-isolate for 14 days.  Mandatory isolation will not apply to those deemed to be doing "essential work." Travellers will be barred from using public transit to get to the place where they will be isolating.

 
3)  The federal government is extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 to 76 weeks.  The Work-Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers. This may be a helpful program for Manitoba employers.


 
4)  Innovation Canada's Plan to Mobilize Industry to Fight COVID-19 is  seeking manufacturers and producers who are able to deliver on some of our healthcare system's most crucial needs  at this time. If your business may be able to pivot and shift production to other essential goods, this may be an opportunity to continue delivering value.

SAFETY TALKS
A safety talk is a hands-on way to remind workers that health and safety are important on the job. Each talk takes about five minutes and can help workers recognize and control hazards. Safety talks demonstrate the commitment of employers and workers to health and safety.

See our COVID-19 Safety Talks:
204-779-8296