COVID-19: Weekly Current Situation Update March 27
March 27, 2020
During these uncertain times, it’s important we all stay informed for the safety and betterment of our families and communities. As a part of our promise to our members, we will be doing weekly COVID-19 current situation updates every Friday, which will be posted on our news page.
Current Situation in Manitoba
As of March 26, public health officials advise one additional probable case of COVID-19 has been identified, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 36 at this time.
- On March 20, Manitoba declared a state of emergency the order will be in place for the next 30 days.
- Licensed child-care centres, and all schools and preschools will suspend services until April 10
- Public health officials have suspended visitors in long-term care facilities across Manitoba. Only one visitor per patient at a time is allowed in acute care facilities, such as hospitals, across Manitoba.
- The government is asking businesses for products and supplies to help efforts in the fight against COVID-19. The new portal to assist with supplying products can be found here: www.covid19manitoba.ca
- Public health officials are strongly advising all Manitobans, to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel. This includes international travel and travel within Canada.
- The Manitoba government will postpone eviction hearings and freeze rent increases.
- A new online tool to connect volunteers safely with Manitobans needing assistance was launched: www.helpnextdoormb.ca
- The province is extending tax filing deadlines for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Businesses will have up to two additional months to remit retail sales taxes and the payroll tax.
- On March 27, the province launched a program to help Manitobans cope with anxiety related to COVID-19. The program will be available in the coming weeks at manitoba.ca/covid19
- Thirteen community testing sites throughout the province are open. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Find the list of locations here.
- Additional information regarding COVID-19 in Manitoba can be found on the Government of Manitoba’s website.
Important Links:
COVID-19 Manitoba Screening Tool
MB COVID-19 Information and Resources
Situation in Canada
As of March 27, 4,018 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Canada including 25 presumptive cases and 39 deaths.
- Manitoba, Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Ontario have declared a state of emergency. Cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto and Kingston. Northwest Territories, Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island have issued public health emergencies. Nunavut has closed its borders. Only residents and critical workers are allowed in the territory after they meet certain requirements.
- Travellers are asked to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada. require mandatory 14-day self-isolation for all persons entering Canada, even if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Until June 30, 2020, travel to Canada will be restricted for all foreign nationals coming from any country other than the United States (U.S.). Certain restrictions will apply to those travelling from the U.S.
- The Bank of Canada is cutting its key interest target by half a percentage point to 0.25 per cent aimed at cushioning the economic shocks from COVID-19 and a sharp drop in oil prices by easing the cost of borrowing.
- Ontario and Quebec are ordering the closure of all non-essential businesses.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is planning to invest $192 million to help create and produce vaccines for COVID-19.
- Nearly 1 million people in Canada have applied for EI as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To help Canadians return home or cope with the challenges they are facing while travelling, the Government of Canada has created the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad.
Financial Support:
The government has introduced the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan that will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.
- The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Improved access to Employment Insurance sickness benefits by waiving the required medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits.
- An extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- A one-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families.
- The EI Work Sharing Program will provide EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers
- Indigenous Community Support Fund– $305 million to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
- The government has deferred the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns for individuals until June 1
- Canada’s large banks have confirmed their financial support for customers affected by COVID-19by providing flexible solutions
- The government increased wage subsidy for businesses hit by coronavirus pandemic to 75%.
For additional financial and economic support visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
For the latest info on the state of COVID-19 in Canada, visit the Government of Canada website.
Important Links:
Government of Canada’s COVID-19 information page