Prairie Mountain Health region has returned to the Yellow caution level starting today, Friday, Sept 18. Group sizes can return to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. Generally, masks are again optional. However, Public Health advises that extra measures such as masking has been working to reduce the COVID-19 outbreak in PMH and we are urged to use precautions. Expect to see many continue wearing masks.
Virden grocery
In Valleyview C o-op stores you will still see masks. General Manager Greg Gill said, “Masks will remain mandatory for all team members that do not have the ability to physical distance.” And, “We will strongly be recommending customers wear masks in addition to sanitizing their hands upon entry.”
RM of Wallace-Woodworth
There is a slight easing of restrictions in municipal offices and practices as well. CAO Garth Mitchell for Wallace-Woodworth said, “The change back to yellow will remove the mask requirement for public while they are in our office.” The clear plastic shields at the desk and requirements for distancing will remain in effect.
At the public council meeting on Oct. 15, council and staff will meet in person, but media and delegations cannot attend due to distancing required. Look for YouTube links to continue to view meetings.
Town of Virden
Information from the Town indicates that meetings will continue to be held either virtually or, if there is a Public Hearing, at Sunrise Banquet Hall unless Council chooses to hold them virtually as well. Mayor of Virden Murry Wright said, “We do not have room in our council chambers for all of council, staff and the public. As we take the safety of our staff, the public and of course, each other, very seriously, we will continue the current practice.”
Just prior to being moved to Code Orange, Council had passed a resolution advising that the wearing of masks is highly recommended in all Town owned facilities. The Town is following all Public Health recommendations regarding masks.
PCH health facilities
While the entire province, including Prairie Mountain Health region, is now back to Yellow caution, a number of health centres/personal Care facilities are listed as Critical (Red): In Brandon, the Assiniboine Building, Fairview PCH, Hillcrest PCH, Rideau Park PCH and in Carberry the Carberry Plains Health Centre is closed to acute and emergency care.
The bulletin also says that wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory when entering Prairie Mountain Health region health-care facilities. Public health officials continue to monitor all the regions with increased cases closely to determine if additional restrictions are necessary.
Stats
The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 1.7 per cent and 40 new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the number of cases in Manitoba to 1,540.
The data shows:
• four cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• four cases in Interlake–Eastern region;
• three cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud; and
• 29 cases in the Winnipeg health region.
• 325 active cases and 1,199 individuals have recovered from COVID-19;
• there are 11 people in hospital and three people in intensive care; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 16.
Preliminary laboratory testing numbers show 1,358 on Thursday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 161,473.
There has been a concerning increase in the number of cases in Winnipeg. Recent success in Prairie Mountain Health shows that focusing on the fundamentals can reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The chief provincial public health officer strongly encourages residents and visitors to Winnipeg focus on the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
As the weekend begins, it is imperative to stay home if you are sick, wash/sanitize your hands, cover your cough and physically distance when you are with people outside your household. If you cannot physically distance, wear a mask. Be sure to avoid closed-in or crowded spaces, and close contact with those outside your household.
Starting today, Donwood Group Elderly Persons Housing will be lowered to the COVID-19 Caution (Yellow) level according to the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This is in response to an improved situation at the facility. Visitor restrictions have been removed.
Individuals with symptoms are asked to seek testing as soon as possible once symptoms are present. Employers are asked to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health officials.
The online assessment tool can be found at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/ and COVID-19 symptoms can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/about.html#collapse4.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.
