April 29, 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 273.
- The data also shows:
- Five individuals are currently hospitalized, no individuals in intensive care
- 54 active cases and 213 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19
- the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is six
- Public health officials are expanding testing criteria to now include all symptomatic Manitobans. No referral needed at Eriksdale testing site – 35 Railway Ave.
- The Manitoba Government has announced plans to re-open the economy in a phased approach. Travel restrictions will remain in Certain health care services and non-essential retail and service businesses will be able to reopen under strict guidelines. 10-person limit and social distancing measures will remain in place. The province says that mass gatherings such as concerts, summer festivals, and major sporting events will not be considered before September 2020.
| Phase one
Begins Monday, May 4, 2020 · Non-urgent surgery & diagnostic services · Restaurant patios · Hair salons · Museums, galleries, libraries · Day camps and outdoor recreation |
| Phase two
Begins no earlier than June 1, 2020 Additional personal services such as: · Nail salons · Dine-in restaurants · Non-contact children’s sports · Film production |
| Future phases
Dates TBD Includes other businesses such as: · Bars · Pools · Spas · movie theatres, and indoor recreational facilities |
Full details are available at www.manitoba.ca/restoringsafeservices
IRTC in-office essential services schedule:
April 27, 2020 – May 1, 2020
Nicole Cook 431-275-0523
Martin McLean 204-280-0232
Shannon Spence 431-275-8093
IRTC Wellness Team
Sheri Gould 204-302-0078
Marcie Tavares 204-803-0700
Treena McPherson 204-302-1344
May 4, 2020 – May 8, 2020
Karl Zadnik 204-956-7413
Seetta Roccola 204-782-0592
Tosan Okorosobo 204-869-2082
Jordan’s Principle
Alyssa Monkman 431-338-4349
Millie Anderson 204-891-3409
Martin McLean 204-280-0232
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 14th. 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
Wellness Team
The Wellness team developed an activity booklet for youth. The activity booklet includes fun activities that include coloring, breathing techniques for anxiety and monitor feeling. The booklet is available to print for parents, frontline workers, teachers, and children to print and make copies. The booklet will be available on the Wellness Facebook page and on the IRTC web page. The booklet will be sent to all Health Centres affiliated with IRTC
