April 24, 2020

IRTC UPDATE:

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 was identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 263.

The data also shows:

• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes three individuals in intensive care;
• 61 active cases and 196 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at
• As of yesterday, an additional 786 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 22,172 . https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47621

The chief provincial public health officer has updated public health orders that take effect on April 17 and will be in effect until May 1, 2020. They mandate that anyone entering Manitoba, regardless of whether it was from another country or another province must self- isolate for 14 days. In addition, travel to northern Manitoba (north of the 53rd parallel of latitude) is prohibited with some exceptions including:

• residents of northern and remote communities may continue to move within the north;
• delivery of goods and services may continue; and
• exceptions include those who travel to the north for employment, medical treatment or to facilitate child-custody agreements

IRTC in-office essential services schedule:

All IRTC Staff are available continuously via email and cell phone should you need to contact them.

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Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

It is not clear there is any significant benefit to wearing masks to prevent influenza or influenza-like illnesses (including COVID-19) in community settings.

Wear a facemask: If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other individuals (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply therefore they should be saved for high risk individuals and health care providers.

If you are using gloves or masks, please discard these items accordingly.

IRTC Education Update

IRTC Student Services program provides Post Secondary and Private Home Placement education funding to Dauphin River, Little Saskatchewan and Pinaymootang students. Monthly allowance disbursements will be distributed as usual without disruption.

Social Development Update

I.R.T.C. Social staff continue to provide regular updates to Income Assistance Administrators as information comes from Indigenous Services Canada.

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan has raised questions for Income Assistance Administrators on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

Are social assistance clients eligible for this benefit? The answer is no. Indigenous Services Canada has stated the CERB benefit is treated exactly like

Employment Insurance Benefits, I.A.’S are to deduct dollar for dollar when assessing income. I.S.C. is waiting for update from the Province on this matter and will officially communicate that policy upon receipt.

PESP Program – The PESP Program has temporarily cancelled all planned programming until further notice. I.S.C. has confirmed any surpluses in programming can be carried forward past March 31, 2020 deadline. Caseworkers available to take applications and do assessments via email and phone.

Emergency Management Update

The Province of Manitoba has issued a new public health order to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The following measures will be in place as of April 1st:

• No gatherings over 10 people
• 10-person limit not applicable for healthcare or social
• All restaurants prohibited from serving food in their premises, delivery or take out is
• All businesses that are not considered as a critical service must close between April 1st and April 14^th. These businesses may operate on a remote
• All businesses considered critical services must enforce appropriate social distancing
• Municipal transit services, taxis and private vehicles for hire can continue to operate. The operator of the vehicle must take measures to ensure there is reasonable separation of people in a vehicle https://news.gov.mb.ca/news