Discussions

This is the second part of an ongoing thread on the COVID-19 pandemic and verified facts relating to impacts on the community. This second thread was started after the initial thread reached a length where it was becoming harder to browse and running slower than I’d like. You can access and review the first thread any time at:  
https://ebrandon.ca/messagethread.aspx?message_id=1049926&cat_id=3  
 
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This thread should NOT be seen as a substitute for direction or advice from health authorities, physicians and levels of government. Relevant links are &#105:ncluded below for details from each of the province, country and WHO.  
 
Government of Manitoba page relating to the virus, including details on the number of tests conducted in the province:  
https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/  
 
Government of Canada page relating to the virus, with updates, advice, information on how to be prepared and information on prevention, symptoms and treatment:  
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html  
 
World Health Organization page on the virus  
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019  
 
I will be using this as a place to post relevant updates that I come into awareness of. I’d invite others to do the same. In an effort to ensure that folks’ replies are factual, if posting a fact and claiming it as such, you are asked to wherever possible include a link to a reputable source which may include one of the above, a reputable media outlet or the website or social media account of local entities being discussed.  
 
I should be clear that this isn’t a place for conspiracy theories or a place to get into an online battle over information from proper authorities. This thread should not be seen as one’s sole place for local information on the virus and no guarantees are made as far as accuracy of information within.  
 
Thanks for your understanding and cooperation

The page listing hours at https://ebrandon.ca/hours.aspx has been updated with the following additions:

BellMTS Shoppers Mall. Closed, to be re-evalulated March 31
https://www.bellmts.ca/personal/covid-19-latest-news

Fast Fired by Carbone. Open for takeout, delivery, dine-in. Have added curbside. 

La Vie en Rose. Closed, to be re-evaluated April 1
https://www.facebook.com/152264984829114/posts/2781091778613075/?d=n

Little Italy Pizzeria. Open regular hours.

Michael Hill Jewellers. Closed for two weeks beginning March 18
https://www.michaelhill.ca/in-this-together 

Safeway. Temporary hour change to Mon to Sat: 7am-8pm, Sun: 9am-6pm. First hour of each day dedicated to seniors and most vulnerable

Velvet Dip. Confirmed they plan to open for the season today. Takeout only as per normal.

A total of 117 businesses are now listed on the hours/closures page. Put an update in place today that shows a different icon beside each business/organization depending on whether their status is "open", "modified" or "closed" in order to make it easier to distinguish at a glance.  thank you to everyone that's shared information so far. You can submit tips on more through the contact page at https://ebrandon.ca/contact.aspx

More business updates...

BMO. Reduced hours of Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Closed Saturdays

Coffee Culture. Takeout, Online order, dine-in available. 6:30am-9pm  
https://www.facebook.com/Coffee-Culture-Cafe-Eatery-Brandon-MB-2289785511338644/
 
Joeys Only Seafood. Open regular hours of Mon-Sat, 11am-9pm. Sun 12-8pm. Dine-in, takeout, delivery available.  
 
Shoppers Drug Mart. Effective March 21 both Brandon stores to close at 10pm daily until further notice.  
https://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/home
 
Wayback Burgers. Open for takeout and delivery. Dine-in available without plates/cutlery. Modified hours of 11am-9pm.
 
Zekes Jewellers. Closed beginning March 21
https://www.instagram.com/p/B98FDrng7B1/?igshid=ugwlgj7681ip

Going to have to update the main hours page to allow more easy jumping between categories on mobile devices with the list at the size it's at now and I suspect not getting any shorter for a while...
 

Manitoba government has declared a State of Emergency to protect the public and reduce spread. See link below for full details.  
 
From the link, measures effective immediately for 30 days include:  
 
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"1. Limiting public gatherings of more than 50 people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises. This includes places of worship, gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals. This does not apply to a facility where health care or social services are provided. Retail businesses including grocery or food stores, shopping centres, pharmacies or gas stations must ensure separation of one to two metres between patrons assembling in the business. Public transportation facilities must also ensure that people assembling at the facility are reasonably able to maintain a separation of one to two metres from others assembling at the facility.  

2. Limiting hospitality premises where food or alcohol is served or any theatres offering live performances of music, dance and other art forms as movies theatres to 50 people or 50 per cent of the capacity of the premises, whichever is lesser. These establishments must be able to ensure social distance of one to two metres between customers.  

3. Immediate closures of all bingo and gaming events.  

4. All wellness centres offering physical activities, gyms, fitness centres and athletic clubs and training facilities  "
 
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Please read full link for all details:
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47137

Please also see this morning's provincial bulletin where it's noted that the current count of lab-confirmed and presumptive positive cases in Manitoba remains at 17:
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47139

Winners is closed for 2 weeks (it was on facebook post)

Admin edit: thanks, here's the link: 

https://www.facebook.com/108682881373/posts/10157355386526374/?d=n

Alberts Bistro. Open for dine-in, pickup, dash on Mar 21/22 4-9pm, Mar 23 4-8pm. Closed for a couple weeks starting Mar 24  
 
Benny’s Restaurant. Moved to delivery only, orders by phone, website or dash.  
 
Bulk Barn. Further reduce hours beginning Mar 21 to Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm  
 
CAA Manitoba. Closed until further notice.  
https://www.caamanitoba.com/covid-19  
 
Faith Fellowship Baptist Church. Suspended all church services and activities. Offering weekly Youtube videos  
 
New System Store. Temporary hours of Mon-Sat 10am-5pm  
 
Pizza Hut. Dine-in seating closed. Offering carryout and delivery over regular hours.  
 
Sushi Hut. Dining room closing from Mar 21 until April 3. Will continue to offer takeout and delivery.

A lot of developments of the past half hour or so.....

Latest provincial bulletin has cases remaining at 17.  
Read the full bulletin at https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47141  

Brandon School Division has postponed the School Trustee By-election. Details at https://www.bsd.ca/news/pages/school-board-by-elections-2020.aspx 

Brandon School Division now that schools are closing, regular update notes that all worksites will move to an essential services model. Doors locked, essential staff on hand from 9am-12pm, 1pm-3:30pm. Full update at https://www.bsd.ca/news/pages/update-on-covid-19-from-brandon-school-division.aspx

 BrandonU put out a handful of updates at the link below...  
- Spring convocation cancelled (students still graduate)  
- in-person classes cancelled through spring and summer terms  
- BU library to close Monday at 5pm  
Full BU details at https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47141

Walmart is changing hours starting Monday. From link below it'll be 8am-8pm with an early 7am-8am hour before that for seniors, disabled and the vulnerable.  Then 9am-6pm on Sundays:  
https://www.walmart.ca/en/customer-memo?icid=home%20page_HP_Sliver_Customer_Memo_WM 

Another update on businesses...  all added to the ongoing list at https://ebrandon.ca/hours.aspx 
 
Applebee’s. Closed until further notice.  

Bladeworx. Closed until further notice.    

The Brick. Temporary hours of Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm  
 
Carters Osh Kosh. Temporarily closed, expecting early April re-opening.  
https://www.cartersoshkosh.ca/en_CA/Covid-19.html  
 
Chopped Leaf. Temporary hours of 11am-7pm  
 
Chicken Chef. Temporary reduced hours: dine-in 8am-9pm, Takeout 11am-9pm, Delivery 12-9pm  
 
Dollar Tree. Temporary hours of Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm  
 
EB Games (both locations). Closed until further notice  
https://www.ebgames.ca/Views/Locale/Content/PDF/covid19/COVID19_ENFR2.pdf  
 
Giant Tiger. Temporary hours of Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm  
https://www.gianttiger.com/category/coronavirus.do  
 
Home Hardware. Temporary hours starting Mar 23 of M-F 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm  
 
Kullbergs. Temporary hours of Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12-4pm  
 
Lee’s Buffet. Temporarily closed to dine-in. Takeout and delivery Fri, Sat and Sun from 4pm-8pm  
 
Pita Pit. Temporary hours of 11am-7pm, takeout and delivery only.  
 
Michaels. Temporary hours of Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm  
https://investors.michaels.com/michaels-response-to-covid-19  
 
Peavey Mart. Temporary hours of 12-5pm daily  
https://www.peaveymart.com/About-COVID-19.aspx  
 
Princess Auto. Temporary hours of Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Sun 9am-5pm  
https://www.princessauto.com/en/about-us/media-room/COVID-19  
 
Warehouse One. Temporarily closed  
https://www.warehouseone.com/Covid-19.html

McDonalds locations make further Sunday. Effective today they are closing to takeout (dining room seating was closed last week). Drivethru and delivery only. "Select restaurants may continue to offer take-out service in communities where there are specific needs, including locations near hospitals and healthcare facilities": 
https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/about-us/our-commitment-to-you.html  

 
Chilli Chutney has closed dine-in seating off, moving to only takeout and delivery

Patches Restaurant has temporarily closed.

Staples temporary hours listed on the Brandon location on their site are 12-5pm daily
https://www.staples.ca/a/content/covid19-notice 

Both of today's (Sunday) Westjet flights from Brandon to Calgary are showing as cancelled and one of the two on Saturday was cancelled too. As of now Monday morning's early flight is showing as "scheduled.”  
 
At the Calgary end for flights into Brandon, this morning's (Sunday) flight is showing as cancelled, tonight's flight remains scheduled and tomorrow mornings (Monday) flight is showing as cancelled.  

Westjet’s page for Coronavirus updates is at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/coronavirus  
My info on currently scheduled flights and cancellations came from flight searches at http://www.flightaware.com   

I understand via a WJ rep that they will be announcing an updated Canadian schedule today as part of temporarily reducing their capacity by 50%. Brandon and all the airports they serve will be on that schedule.  
 
Also re flights... as noted above Manitoba has been maintaining a list of flights that have had at least one confirmed case. Potentially relevant to local connections is the link below of Alberta's list of flights that have had a confirmed case (to be clear, neither the Alberta list or the Manitoba list have included any flights from the Brandon-Calgary route as of the time I type this):  
https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-flight-information.pdf

From this morning's provincial update, one previous probable case has been ruled out and then one new one identified in Winnipeg. Current Manitoba total remains at 20 as a result:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47177  
 
As per post above, health officials are advising for the cancellation or postponement of non-essential travel including travel within Canada.

Province has launched an online tool that is setup to connect volunteers to those needing assistance. Please have a look if you are able to help folks out or if you need assistance yourself...  
http://www.helpnextdoormb.ca  
 
Also this afternoon, the Wheat King season is officially over. The CHL has cancelled the 2020 playoffs and Memorial Cup. First time in the 102 year history of the trophy that it won’t be awarded ...  
https://wheatkings.com/article/chl-cancels-2020-playoffs-memorial-cup

Brandon School Division has closed all play structures and equipment on school division property in lieu of social distancing...

https://twitter.com/brandonmbsd/status/1242266881253199878?s=21 

A roundup of hours info...  
Less of these coming in as we settle into our new normal. Continuing to update the hours page at https://ebrandon.ca/hours.aspx as updates are received.  

Aaltos. Hours of 8am-midnight. Takeout and delivery (skip) available. Main restaurant seating closed, Limited distanced seating in piano bar.
https://www.canadinns.com

Christies Office Plus temporary hours of Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 9am-1pm. Delivering within Brandon as per normal, also offering curbside pickup. 

Freshii. Both locations open 11am-7pm. Takeout, curbside service, delivery available. For phone in orders, free delivery within Brandon (no minimum order value to qualify)

Gondola Pizza. Open for pickup and delivery, Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Vendor open as per normal.  
https://www.keystonemotorinn.ca/new-events/2020/3/23/m8a2laksbzjswhitz1op75tdugjg92  
 
Fabricland. Temporarily closed  
https://fabricland.ca/MAIN/main.php  
 
First Baptist Church. Gatherings cancelled for the time being. See link for details and live stream info.  
http://FBCBrandon.ca  
 
Ms East Side Eatery. Temporarily closed.  
 
Mary Browns. Hours modified to 12-8pm. Takeout, delivery, phone-ahead pickup available. Dine-in seating closed.  
 
Montana's. Takeout and delivery hours updated to 4-8pm.  
 
St. Augustine of Canterbury R.C. Church. All Masses and events will be cancelled until at least April 26th. See link for available church hours for silent praying.  
https://staug.ca  

Tavern United. Hours of 8am-midnight. Takeout and delivery (skip) available. Main restaurant seating closed, Limited distanced seating in piano bar.
https://www.canadinns.com

Two Farm Kids. Open normal hours of 9:30am-6pm Mon-Sat, Thurs to 8pm. In-town delivery (free on $75 orders), curbside pickup (no min order) also avail  
https://www.twofarmkids.com/  
 
Twisters Ice Cream. Takeout and delivery available. Dine-in seating closed. Temp hours are Tues-Thurs 1-8pm, Fri-Sat 1-9pm, Sun 1-8pm. Dine-in not available.  
 
Westman Communications Group has closed their retail location . Plan to re-open April 20. Customer service, Tech support and online service options remain available. Have introduced the option of self installation for tv and internet.  
https://westmancom.com/covid-19-update

Also note the difference to Westjet’s schedule. They are keeping daily Brandon flights, but on a look through their booking engine it appears that starting tomorrow (March 25) the daily flight leaves Calgary at 12:20pm Alberta time and then turns around and leaves Brandon for Calgary at 4pm local time. Booking engine shows that being the schedule until normal flight availability on April 22, but obviously with what’s going on I would be keeping an eye closer to that date for any further changes.  
 
Westjet’s page with Covid details is at:  
https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/coronavirus  
 
Reminder that as per province, anyone returning from travel (within or outside of Canada) is asked to self-isolate for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms. There should be no recreational, tourist or non-essential travel as per:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47177

From Most recent provincial bulletin, a new probable case in Winnipeg bringing Manitoba total of probable and confirmed to 21:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47217

As per Government of Manitoba release today, 14 new probable Manitoba cases.

One of those cases is said to have been tested in the Prairie Mountain Health region, which would be the first in the health region that includes Brandon. It shouldn't be immediately assumed that the case is Brandon. The release doesn't disclose what city/town the case is in, with Prairie Mountain Health covering the area shown in this map. Watching the media conference to see if more information is shared.

In addition to the Prairie Mountain case, 11 of the new probable cases are Winnipeg (including one in intensive care) and 2 in Southern Health region.  

From the release, public health investigations are underway to confirm additional details and confirm the possible exposure of new cases.

For more information in today's release please read:
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47237

A few more store updates...  
 
KFC/Taco Bell. Hours are 11am-8pm Sun-Thurs. 11am-9am Fri-Sat. Takeout and delivery, dine-in seating closed.  
 
Kuipers Bakery. Normal hours of Monday 12-6pm, Tuesday to Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 8am-5pm.  
 
Original Joe's. Turns out have decided to stay open for both takeout and delivery, hours of 11am-9pm.  
 
Rona. Temporary hours are Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sunday and after hours by appointment.