Effective September 1, 2020, visitors to all health-care facilities are required to wear non-medical masks to protect Manitobans and limit the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to following good hand hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing and other prevention measures, home-based child care providers, youth facilities and other community organizations should ensure liquid soap and paper towels are available at all hand wash sinks throughout the centre/facility, or have alcohol-based hand sanitizer available throughout the centre/facility as well as have adequate supplies on-hand including plastic-lined garbage bins and tissues. It is especially important for children and adults in the childcare setting to clean their hands:
Visit the Prepare and Prevent page for more information on how to clean surfaces and objects to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Pay particular attention to cleaning objects that are touched frequently, and remove any objects that cannot be cleaned and disinfected properly, such as plush stuffed toys.
For home-based child care providers, youth facilities and other community organizations that prepare food, it is also important to:
Up-to-date information for classroom learning for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year for K-12 can be found at: edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid.
UPDATED April 1, 2020
Manitoba Justice continues to take steps to reduce the spread of infection and enhance access to justice throughout the province. As of April 2, new admissions to all adult and youth correctional centres in Manitoba will be handled through the Winnipeg Remand Centre (WRC). All individuals coming into custody will be isolated for up to 14 days to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 into facilities. Sheriff services will be assisting rural police agencies with transports whenever possible. All in-person visits for people in Manitoba’s adult and youth correctional centres have been suspended including inmate programs, staff training and other group activities.
The province is expanding the number of free phone calls for individuals in custody to help them maintain contact with their support systems. Lawyers are encouraged to meet with clients remotely, whenever possible, but in-person visits with clients can continue at all facilities, with the exception of the WRC. Cleaning procedures in all Manitoba’s correctional centres have increased significantly including the use of fogging equipment to disinfect large and high-traffic areas. Protocols for the use of personal protective equipment are in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.
As of April 2, greater access to bail hearings on evenings and weekends will increase the efficiency of the system, ensure timely bail and other hearings and limit unnecessary admissions to the WRC. Crown attorneys will work on evenings, overnight and on weekends for consultations and hearings and to work with defence counsel on sentencing recommendations. The province is also working with police agencies to expand remote bail hearings in the north. The number of court hearings that can be held by phone will also be increased to avoid unnecessary transportation of people out of their communities.
UPDATED April 29, 2020
Child and family services are a mandated essential service with obligations outlined under the Child and Family Services Act, the Child and Family Services Authorities Act, and the Adoptions Act. Protecting children to ensure their safety and well-being continues to be of paramount importance during this unprecedented time.
The safety and well-being of frontline service staff is critical to our mandates as the services they provide offer lifelines of support for the most vulnerable children, youth and families in our province.
The practice and policy guidelines developed and communicated in response to COVID-19 align with public health direction to prevent the transmission of COVID9 19 and ensure foster parents, group care providers, child welfare agencies, Authority staff, and all key stakeholders have access to information that will guide their day-to-day practice.
Reminder: If you think a child is being harmed or neglected, contact 204-944-4200 (in Winnipeg) or 1-866-345-9241.
If you have an emergency, contact 911 or your local police emergency number
For questions or concerns about the services that an agency is providing, begin by directing inquiries to the assigned CFS worker, followed by the agency supervisor or director. If concerns continue, they can be directed to the agency’s oversight Authority for contact information, visit: the Child and Family Services Authority and Agency Contact listing at: www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/cfsagencies.html
Additional Resources
Supporting Health and Practice Information for CFS authorities, agencies and community care providers
Circulars /Operational UpdatesUPDATED April 22, 2020
As part of efforts to help limit the spread of COVID-19, family law matters are only being heard in urgent circumstances. The pandemic can create additional stress and worry for parents and children - especially those going through separation or divorce. Families can use these resources to help address some of their concerns:
For non-urgent questions call our Get Guidance line during regular business hours: 204-945-2313 (Winnipeg) or 1-844-808-2313 (toll-free). Emails may also be sent to GetGuidance@gov.mb.ca but are being monitored less frequently.
Other important contacts:
UPDATED April 14, 2020
It is everyone’s responsibility to help ensure appropriate social distancing and other measures are put in place to help protect Manitobans from COVID-19. There can be unique challenges in apartment complexes, particularly in common areas like the lobby, laundry facilities or gym rooms.
UPDATED June 15, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is essential for food sector workers, grocery stores and food banks to ensure safe and reliable access to food and supplies.
UPDATED June 21, 2020
Public health orders continue to limit gathering sizes of no more than 50 people at any indoor premise or 100 people at any outdoor premises, including garage sales.
Garage sales are a higher-risk setting because they are not associated with any recommended practices that retail stores must have in place. This includes how people could follow physical distancing guidelines, appropriate cleaning processes and options for cashless or no-contact payment.
UPDATED June 5, 2020
Extreme heat is a potential risk for everyone. Staying safe while it is hot, drinking enough water and staying cool on hot days is important but, may be more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow these public health measures to ensure you can safely enjoy the warmer weather.
For current information:
