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The province is reporting one new COVID-19 case in Manitoba as well as one death in the Southern Health region. Prairie Mountain Health is now showing as having 19 cases (see below).  
 
From the release at the link below, note this section that is relevant to the Prairie Mountain Health region:  
 
"Public health officials are aware of a small cluster of five cases at a workplace in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Affected staff and their close contacts are self-isolating and public health officials are working with these patients to undertake detailed contact tracing. Officials are working co-operatively with the company to test other workers who may have been exposed and to implement sanitization protocols at the worksite. If public health officials believe there is an increased risk to the public, additional information will be provided."  
 
They have not identified the city or town of these cases though did say that it is not a health care-related workplace.  In questioning afterword it was said that there is no concern from Public Health that the cluster of cases pose a risk to the public. The investigation has been dealth with at the site itself. 

Today's full bulletin is at:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47897

Bladeworx has re-opened. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm  
 
Brandon Public Library has resumed contactless delivery. Library itself is preparing for a re-open but no date yet confirmed: 
https://www.facebook.com/wmrlibrary/photos/a.897759316976033/2917659644985980/?type=3&theater 
 
Lady of the Lake. Hours for by-appointment shopping are Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm  
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_qiUUnA1tx/
 
Zekes Jewellers has re-opened. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_tbwhaA7nQ/

The province is reporting two new cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba today. They have said that the cluster in cases in Prairie Mountain Health reported yesterday is now up to 7 (Prairie Mountain has in total had 21 lab-confirmed cases going back to March).  
 
Regarding that cluster, the text below if from the full bulletin, which is available at the link below:  
 
"Public health officials have now increased the number of cases associated with a workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region to seven. There is no cause for concern, and this type of increase is not unexpected as contact tracing expands and additional testing is conducted. Affected staff and their close contacts are self-isolating, and public health officials are continuing with detailed contact tracing. As this workplace is not related to health care or food supply and does not involve any significant interaction with the general public, no further details about the business will be released at this time. If public health officials believe there is an increased risk to the public, additional information will be provided."  
 
Full bulletin for May 6 is at:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47917

In questioning at the press conference, a little more information on the Prairie Mountain cluster...  
 
Dr. Roussin has said that most of the contact investigation has been completed with a lot of testing having been done. New positive cases may result in further contact tracing, meaning it is possible that more contacts could be identified, asked to self-isolate and tested.  
 
They have stood firm on not identifying the workplace or the city that its in. Responses to questions looking for further details trend towards that information on the type of business will not be released unless its assessed that there is a risk to the public. If in the course of this or any other investigation, if there are people in the public that they believe may have been exposed that they can't reach then they would make further information available.  
 

The Brandon Sun is reporting details on the cluster in Brandon associated with a trucking company. Though with 21 cases in Prairie Mountain Health and the two flights at our airport with confirmed cases most will have assumed we had some virus presence here, this is the first confirmation of cases in Brandon:
https://www.brandonsun.com/local/Trucking-firm-source-of-COVID-19-cluster-570253381.html

A number of business hour updates below... updates continue to be made to the ongoing hours page at https://ebrandon.ca/hours.aspx  
 
BellMTS Corral Centre. Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm  

Home Depot. Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm  
 
Peavey Mart. Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm  
 
Petsmart. Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm  
 
Pizza Hut has added a patio on the North side of their building.  
 
Safeway. Now open to 10pm (hours are Mon to Sat: 7am-10pm, Sun: 9am-6pm. First hour of each day dedicated to seniors and most vulnerable)  
 
Tommy Guns. Mon-Sun 10-6

Just a reminder ahead of this post: This thread is intended as a stream of facts on the pandemic and its local impact. Debate and commentary should take place in the separate general COVID-19 thread at this link or in a separate new thread start if justified. thanks!

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The province is reporting no new cases and have ruled out one previous probable case, meaning Manitoba has had 283 COVID-19 cases in total.  
 
Prairie Mountain Health continues to show the 21 that it had yesterday.  
 
Dr. Roussin has stated that the cluster being noted in recent days could have been worse if not for efforts taken by the business effected in advance..  
 
In questioning afterwards it was learned that within the cluster of 7 confirmed cases, five are employees and two are close contacts to employees.  

Also in questioning, it was said by Dr. Roussin that based on the incubation period of the virus its possible that there are further cases related to the cluster among close contacts of those who have tested positive. If there are further positives among those close contacts, self-isolation happened so quickly that it is unlikely to see a lot of further contacts who have contracted the virus. 

Today's bulletin can be read at:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47977

The Brandon Sun is reporting of another positive test in the community, a gas bar worker. Parent company has been in touch with the employee, who has not worked since April 30, to ensure that they are well cared for. Measures recommended by public health have been followed, enhanced cleaning measures carried out and the gas bar remains open:

https://www.brandonsun.com/local/Brandon-gas-bar-worker-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-570289461.html

Sobeys publishes information on cases at their stores (which include Safeway) at the link below, taking caution to not release personal information. Information on the Brandon gas bar positive test notes a date of Wednesday:  
https://corporate.sobeys.com/covid-19-cases-stores/  
 
It’s not clear if the case is yet included in Prairie Mountain Health’s total of 21.

The Province is reporting one new COVID-19 case today, another in the Prairie Mountain Health region which brings Manitoba's total to 284 and Prairie Mountain's to 22. Please see note below from the Provincial bulletin regarding that case:  
 
"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."  
 
Dr. Roussin in his comments said that the contact investigation is essentially complete.  

Today's full bulletin is available at:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47999

In questioning afterwords it was learned that of the eight people in the local Prairie Mountain cluster. Six are employees at the workplace and two close contacts to employees, the close contacts said to be one degree of separation from the employees.  
 
It's unclear how or where the gas bar case reported on by the Brandon Sun yesterday fits into local numbers. On April 27, Prairie Mountain was reported to have 14 cases. Today the number is 22. The workplace cluster is said to be eight cases, which would account for all cases since April 27 unless one previous Prairie Mountain case from before April 27 was ruled a false positive.

Two more re-openings...  
 
Hansel and Gretels Schnitzel House re-opens today with their new takeout window. 3-7pm on weekends, special orders available on weekdays  
https://ebrandon.ca/buzzpost.aspx?buzz_id=785  
 
Urban Trail tells me that today they have re-opened in Shoppers Mall  
 
On top of that, Since last mall update of stores that had opened the list the Shoppers Mall is publishing shows these stores as now open:  
-Ardenes  
-Bentley  
-Bluenotes  
-Charm Diamonds  
-Eclipse  
-Garage  
-la Vie En Rose  
-Shoe Warehouse  
 
Assume they will continue to update the list at:  
https://shoppersmallbrandon.com/hours

This is from yesterday's briefing, but with Mothers Day coming up tomorrow bears emphasizing.  
 
Dr. Roussin's comments regarding tomorrow:
 
"We know people are thinking about Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday. We need to certainly celebrate that day but we need to celebrate it a bit different this year. We need to continue to think of connecting virtually and if we do get together certainly avoid large get togethers. Its best to meet outdoors if possible and maintaining that social distancing. We’re not done with this virus, we’re not back to normal so please limit those group sizes, limit close prolonged contact and certainly no-one showing any symptoms, even mild symptoms of respiratory illness should be attending any type of gathering."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLvqXTqcYDg_fvIlP68aGxONh6DXfzsd0j&time_continue=667&v=hyg1yqS1w1U&feature=emb_logo 

The province is reporting 3 new cases today, bringing the overall total in Manitoba to 287. Prairie Mountain Health is now showing 24, two more than yesterday.  
 
Today’s bulletin is below. In the bulletin it's not clear if the new cases in Prairie Mountain are part of the ongoing cluster or if they are separate. There's no media briefing today where that info might come out, if anyone comes across further details please share link. 
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=48019

A few business updates...  
 
The Dock on Princess. Begin to once again offer takeout starting Tuesday (May 12). Pickup hours to be Tues-Sat 12pm-6pm, delivery Thurs-Sat from 4pm-6pm. Also continuing to offer their meal kits. See menu at large link: https://www.facebook.com/235197743273812/posts/2758939314232963/
 
Mums Restaurant. Starting today, hours go to 8am-7pm daily   https://www.facebook.com/MumsFamilyRestaurant/photos/a.1009595085769792/3146007502128529/?type=3&theater 

Telus Shoppers Mall. Re-open on Thursday (May 14) over Mall hours (11-6) daily. Beginning May 17, Telus at Corral will adopt those same 11-6 hours (it is currently open 11-6 Mon-Sat and 11-5 on Sunday)

In today's update the province is reporting two more Covid-19 cases, both in the Prairie Mountain Health region which is now showing 26 total cases since the beginning of tracking and 12 reported cases in Prairie Mountain Since April 28.  

In questioning after the media briefing it was learned that contact investigation is ongoing on today's two new Prairie Mountain cases, with no link found to the workplace cluster.  It was said that the two new cases are linked to each other as close contacts, with one of the cases said to be likely seen as community-based transmission according to Dr. Roussin as they do not know where it was acquired. It was said that it is too early in investigation to consider the new cases as a new cluster at this point. 

Regarding yesterday's two new reported Prairie Mountain cases... it was stated that both are close contacts of the workplace cluster which is now at ten cases. The text below regarding the cluster is from today's bulletin, which the link below will take you to the full version of:  
 
"Over the weekend, two additional cases were added to the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, bringing the total to 10 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."  
 
Also at the briefing it was said that they will be stepping back for the time being from daily media conferences and in stead going to alternating days. Daily briefings will still be issued.  
 
Today's full bulletin is at:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=48037

The province is reporting one new probable COVID-19 case today, bringing the Manitoba total since the beginning of tracking to 290.  
 
That probable case is part of the local cluster previously referenced, which puts Prairie Mountain Health's total at 27. 
 
From the bulletin at the link below:  
 
"The additional case is related to the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, bringing the total to 11 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."  
 
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=48117

No new cases reported today, leaving the provincial total at 290.  
Prairie Mountain Health region continues to show 27 cases (26 confirmed, 1 probable)  
 
It was stressed again by Dr. Roussin that even if symptoms are mild, Manitobans with any symptoms of COVID-19 should be tested. Dr. Roussin stated that this is vital to the province's re-opening strategy (I've posted an account of the testing process locally in the separate COVID-19 general discussion thread)  
 
Today's full bulletin is at:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=48138

Important change announced at today's media briefing.  
Beginning tomorrow (Thursday), testing sites will be accepting self-referrals without the need for Health Links to first refer and book. They are asking that anyone with cold or flu symptoms (even mild) to first go to online screening tool. If meet testing criteria, you can go right to testing site to be tested. In Brandon that is the main level of the Town Centre parkade just inside the entrance and to the right (signage is on-site).  Easy to get to and the test is very quick (see link in above post for an account from this week). 
 
Symptoms given as being test-worthy (even if mild) include:  
-fever  
-cough  
-sore throat  
-shortness of breath  
-runny nose  
-fatigue  
-headaches  
-skin rashes  
-nausea  
-loss of appetite.  
 
Testing is an important part of the Province's re-opening strategy going forward. Please consider getting tested if you have or develop these symptoms and otherwise if having symptoms the Province has asked that one stay home. The self-assessment tool is at:  
https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/ 

A question was asked at the media briefing on the status of those within the Prairie Mountain Health cluster. Dr. Roussin stated that there is one in hospital (but not ICU), three of the cases in the cluster are listed as recovered.

The Province increased capacity to enforce Emergency Public Health and Health Hazard orders today (see link below). Among those listed as being in a place to enforce are Brandon Police Service. 

From the link:

"In all more than 3000 designated Provincial and Municipal personnel can be deployed to enforce COVID-19-related orders” with education and warnings along with tickets as a last resort... 

https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=48158

The province reports a decrease of one in cases today, with a previous probable case in the Prairie Mountain cluster being ruled negative. The cluster size now stands at ten, Prairie Mountain having had a total of 26 confirmed cases to-date.  
 
Full bulletin is at the link below. Interesting to note just 306 tests in Manitoba yesterday... capacity having said to be about 2000 per day:  
https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=48160

Riverbank Discovery Centre has informed this aft that it will re-open on Tuesday (including washrooms with cleaning procedures in place), just over two months after its temporary closure. Hours will be 12-5pm. The grounds themselves had remained accessible and of course continue to be, with it being requested that visitors continue to social distance to stop the spread (signage on-site to that effect).

I'm also told that the new boardwalk will be completed today on the East wetland.