May 8, 2020

IRTC UPDATE:

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 284.

The data also shows:

• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 30 active cases and 247 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven
• One additional person has tested positive from the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, bringing the total to eight cases. There is no cause for concern, and this is not unexpected as public health officials continue to investigate and trace contacts. Affected staff and their close contacts are self- isolating, and public health officials are continuing with detailed contact tracing
• The Manitoba government is lifting the one-month supply limit on prescription drugs. Effective May 11, Manitobans who have prescriptions for long-term medications will be able to fill them as per their prescriber’s directions up to a three- month supply, if the drug is not affected by shortages. Limits on prescription refills were imposed on March 19 in order to minimize potential distribution shortages and prevent people from stockpiling medication https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/index.html#current

For up-to-date information on testing criteria and community screening sites, visit the Community Screening sites

Cases and Risk of COVID-19 in Manitoba

The dashboard is updated daily at 1 p.m.
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/index.html#newsPlease note: tests results during the weekend are unofficial at this time and will be confirmed on Monday

IRTC in-office essential services schedule:

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~  ~  ~ ~

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

IRTC Education Update

In light of the Covid – 19 pandemic, please be advised of the following. The IRTC Student Services program will continue to operate status quo as in previous years. That is the application deadline of May 15, 2020 for a September start date is fast approaching.

This deadline applies to continuing and new student applications. Applications are available on the IRTC website (www.irtc.ca) and can also be picked up at the Head Office in Fairford Ph. (204)659-4465 or at MIEA 300-286 Smith St. Ph. (204)947-0421.

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).

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 allowed.
• 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 rules.
• Municipal transit services, taxis and private vehicles for hire can continue to 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