October 4, 2021

PROVINCE STEPS UP PREPAREDNESS FOR COVID-19 FOURTH WAVE, MOVES TO RESTRICTED (ORANGE) LEVEL ON PANDEMIC RESPONSE SYSTEM

Background information: Public Health Orders (click here)

Manitoba is taking additional steps to protect Manitobans and maintain health services, including non-COVID-19 care, during a fourth wave of the pandemic.

To increase COVID-19 preparedness and address the fourth wave, the province is taking three new steps to help reduce COVID-19 transmission:

·         moving to the restricted (orange) level on the Pandemic Response System;

·         introducing additional public health orders that expand requirements for proof of immunization and reduce gathering sizes when unvaccinated individuals are present; and

·         implementing new patient protocols to ensure additional health system capacity when needed.

The COVID-19 response level on the province’s Pandemic Response System is being raised to restricted (orange) from caution (yellow) to reflect the increased severity of risk. Schools will remain at the caution (yellow) level at this time to ensure youth can remain in school as much as possible. At this time, public health officials continue to recommend a school-specific approach when risk is identified.

New public health orders will allow fully vaccinated Manitobans to continue to enjoy as much freedom and as few restrictions as possible. Unvaccinated individuals who are eligible to be vaccinated will now be more restricted in their activities. This includes:

·         limiting private indoor gatherings for households to guests from one other household when any unvaccinated person who is eligible to be vaccinated is present on the property (even if the unvaccinated person lives at that location);

·         limiting private outdoor gatherings for households to 10 guests when any unvaccinated person who is eligible to be vaccinated is present on the property (even if the unvaccinated person lives at that location);

·         reducing indoor public gathering group sizes to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated, including weddings and funerals; and

·         setting indoor group sizes for faith-based gatherings to 25 people or 33 per cent capacity, whichever is greater, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated.

Fully immunized Manitobans and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine may gather without capacity limits in each of these areas. Household gatherings, weddings, funerals and faith-based gatherings can occur for fully vaccinated individuals and those under 12 without any restrictions.

For example, faith-based gatherings may take place with a choice of services at their discretion for fully immunized worshippers (no restrictions) or unvaccinated worshippers (restricted capacity as set out above). In addition, gated or controlled events and gatherings where proof of vaccination is required will continue to be permitted.

The public health orders will also:

·         reduce all outdoor public gathering sizes to 50 people; and

·         move retail capacity to 50 per cent in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in this region.

The new orders will come into effect on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 12:01 a.m., with an additional one-week grace period for weddings and funerals already scheduled to minimize disruption.

Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

August 27, 2021

MANITOBA EXPANDS VACCINE PASSPORTS FOR FULLY IMMUNIZED INDIVIDUALS AS OF SEPTEMBER 3

Manitoba is expanding the vaccine passport benefit for fully immunized individuals that will enable businesses, services and events to be available without capacity limits or public health restrictions as of September 3.

The new public health order requires mask use in all indoor public spaces across the province effective at 12:01 a.m. on August 28.

The province has developed new requirements for people to be fully immunized to participate in certain events and activities. These requirements will come into effect by public health order on September 3 for all health regions and will include:

• indoor and outdoor ticketed sporting events and concerts;
• indoor theatre/dance/symphony events;
• restaurants (indoor and patio dining);
• nightclubs and all other licensed premises;
• casinos, bingo halls and VLT lounges;
• movie theatres;
• fitness centres, gyms and indoor sporting and recreational facilities (excluding youth recreational sport); and
• organized indoor group recreational classes and activities, and indoor recreational businesses.

Designated employees who are not fully immunized or cannot provide proof of vaccination will need to undergo regular COVID-19 testing, up to three times a week for full-time employees, and provide proof of a negative test result before they can resume working.

Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website for updates.

ClickHEREto visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

ClickHEREfor current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

ClickHEREto view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

August 3, 2021

PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER CHANGES TO COME INTO EFFECT AUGUST 7; MANY SECTORS TO FULLY OPEN WITH NO RESTRICTIONS

Background information: Public Health Orders (click here)

The province will implement new public health orders and guidance on August 7, one month earlier than forecasted.

The new public health orders follow the 4-3-2 One Great Summer Path to Reopen. Manitoba is expected to reach the third vaccination milestone ahead of schedule; as of today, 80 per cent of Manitobans age 12 and over have received their first dose and 75 per cent are expected to receive their second dose over the next week.

With continued improvement in the overall COVID-19 situation, interim orders only restrict the most high-risk transmission environments. Public health recommendations and guidance, rather than restrictions, will play an increasingly significant role as the province prepares for a shift from pandemic to endemic COVID-19.

Specifically, the new public health orders will allow the following sectors to open without restrictions:
• indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences;
• gyms and fitness centres;
• libraries;
• personal services such as hair and nail salons;
• day camps; and
• retail businesses, markets, garden centres and malls.

Other sectors will open with limited restrictions including:
• expanded capacity limits will remain in place for weddings, funerals and other public gatherings both indoors and outdoors including larger capacity limits for worship and cultural events like pow wows;
• restaurants and bars will no longer need to restrict the size or space between tables and dining will not be restricted to households or vaccinated individuals; however, patrons will still be expected to avoid congregating or socializing between tables;
• museums, galleries and movie theatres will remain limited to 50 per cent capacity but will no longer be restricted to vaccinated individuals;
• casinos and bingo halls, professional sporting events, horse and auto racing, and concert halls will continue to be limited to vaccinated individuals; however, all these facilities may now open to 100 per cent capacity;
• indoor and outdoor sports and recreation will fully reopen with limits only on spectator capacity;
• overnight camps will be permitted with limits on camper cohorts;
• workplaces must continue to report cases to government for follow-up and public health-confirmed transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace may result in workplaces being ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days; and
• remote working will no longer be required or recommended by public health and workplaces will be encouraged to transition from COVID-19 safety plans to a general communicable disease prevention plan that focuses on basic risk-reduction principles to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in Manitoba and elsewhere, and the extra risk posed by the more contagious delta variant, provincial public health officials strongly recommend the following:

• wearing masks in indoor public spaces for everyone who is not fully immunized including children under 12; and
• maintaining physical distancing of two metres (six feet) in indoor settings.

The new public health orders will go into effect at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, August 7^th.

The orders will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7, and will be reassessed at that time in the context of vaccination rates and the province’s overall COVID-19 situation.

Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

July 15, 2021

ONE GREAT SUMMER CONTINUES AS MANITOBA REACHED SECOND MILESTONE EARLY; REOPENS BUSINESSES AT 50 PER CENT

Background information: Public Health Orders

The province will implement the second phase of the ‘4-3-2-One Great Summer’ Reopening Path two weeks early, on July 17, as vaccination rates continue to climb across the province.

Under the second phase of the ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path, most facilities may now open to 50 per cent capacity, allowing more people to gather indoors and outdoors, shop, dine out, visit cultural and recreational facilities, and more. Fully immunized Manitobans who have received two vaccination doses at least two weeks ago, may enjoy even more benefits under new public health orders.

Specifically, the new public health orders will now allow the following:

·       indoor gatherings at private residences are permitted to a maximum of five people, plus the household members;

·       indoor gatherings in public spaces are permitted to a maximum of 25 people;

·       outdoor gatherings on private property increase to a maximum of 25 people;

·       public outdoor gatherings increase to a maximum of 150 people;

·       retail businesses increase to 50 per cent capacity or 500 people, whichever is lower;

·       restaurants, licensed premises and food court capacities expand to 50 per cent capacity:

-     outdoor maximum table size remains at eight people;

-     patrons may only sit together indoors if they are from the same household or if all patrons 12 years of age or older are fully immunized (unvaccinated children under 12 may dine with fully vaccinated members of their household in this case);

-     opening hours extend to midnight;

-     the requirement to purchase food when ordering alcohol no longer applies;

-     VLTs may be operate with all other restaurant/bar rules applying (two-metre distance, only households or fully vaccinated people seated together);

·       personal services (haircuts and styling, nail salons, estheticians and massage) continue at 50 per cent capacity; however, appointments are no longer required;

·       dance, theatre, and music school capacities increase to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 25 people per group;

·       indoor sporting facilities may host groups up to a maximum of 25 people, interaction between groups and tournaments are not permitted;

·       day camp capacity increases to groups of 25, joint activities between groups and overnight camps are prohibited;

·       outdoor recreation including games and practices may take place to maximum group size of 50 people; spectators are permitted and do not count towards this capacity limit; tournaments are not permitted;

·       gym and fitness centre capacities expand to 50 per cent capacity; masks and increased physical distancing (three metres) are still required;

·       outdoor weddings and funerals may include up to 150 participants in addition to photographers and officiants; indoor weddings or funerals increase to 25 people in addition to photographers and officiants;

·       libraries may open to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 150 people, whichever is lower;

·     faith-based and cultural gatherings (pow wows, sun dances) may expand to 50 per cent capacity or 150 people indoors, whichever is lower; masks and physical distancing between households is still required;

-     if the facility design allows, the capacity limits may be applied to different   physical spaces within the venue;

-     outdoor faith-based and cultural gatherings permitted up to 150 people and drive-in services continue to be permitted without restriction;

·       the following may now reopen for fully immunized people only, to a maximum capacity of 50 per cent: movie theatres; bingo halls, VLT lounges and casinos, and museums and galleries;

-     museums operate under the fully vaccinated requirement when open to the public as a museum, both indoors and out, and if the museum is used as a private venue for another purpose (e.g. wedding), then the appropriate orders apply;

-     unvaccinated children under 12 may attend/visit these facilities/events (as appropriate) if accompanied by fully vaccinated members of their household;

·       large-scale, outdoor professional sports or performing arts events may operate with capacities up to 100 per cent after developing an approved event plan in consultation with public health.

In all cases, following the COVID-19 fundamentals, including indoor mask use and physical distancing, is still required to protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans.

The new public health orders will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 17.

The orders are scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, August 7 and will be reassessed at that time in the context of vaccination rates and the province’s overall COVID-19 situation.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

ClickHEREto visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

ClickHEREfor current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

ClickHEREto view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

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July 2, 2021

Hello everyone:

As restrictions are starting to be lifted and our lives move along the path back to normal, I am reaching out to our community to express the desire of Rosser Council for the well-being of Rosser residents.

We hope people have been able to access vaccinations, to protect everyone from COVID-19. Our office continues to carefully adhere to healthcare protocols. Council meetings are being held virtually and in-person with social distancing in place.

Although, infection rates are falling significantly, we know that the challenges continue. At this time of year, we are thinking especially of the students that are coming to the end of the school year and many who are graduating. It has been a huge challenge for young people and we recognize their courage in facing so many obstacles.

We know the people of Rosser will continue to look out for one another as we continue our COVID journey. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer. 

Frances Smee

Reeve

 _____________________________________

 June 23, 2021

MANITOBA'S ONE GREAT SUMMER PATH BEGINS EARLY ON JUNE 26

Background information: Public Health Orders

This week, Manitobans achieved and surpassed the first key vaccination benchmarks set out under the ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path, with over 71 per cent of eligible Manitobans at least partially immunized and more than 27 per cent having received both doses. Together with declining COVID-19 cases, test positivity and hospitalization rates, Manitobans are now able to begin to enjoy more freedoms and fewer public health restrictions.

Manitobans who are fully immunized (two vaccine doses plus two weeks from the time of their second dose) will now benefit from the following exemptions:

·       visit fully immunized loved ones in personal care homes or hospitals;

·       participate in social or communal activities, if you are a resident of a personal care home or congregate living facility;

·       travel domestically for essential and non-essential purposes outside of Manitoba without the requirement to self-isolate on their return; and,

·       dine indoors at restaurants and bars with other fully immunized friends and family from outside your household.

Large-scale, outdoor professional sports or performing arts events may also allow fully immunized Manitobans to attend, subject to approval by Manitoba Public Health. The province will work with sports and arts organization to implement proof of vaccination protocols for these events.

Additional benefits for fully immunized Manitobans will be announced in July, including increasing capacity for fully immunized people at weddings, funerals, faith-based and other gatherings, based on continued vaccination rate increases and improvements in the province’s overall COVID-19 situation.

Under this first milestone of the ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path, Manitobans will also be able to gather in larger numbers, dine out in restaurants and on patios, attend faith-based services, and go to gyms, hair salons and retail stores in every region of the province, with some restrictions.

Effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 26, all Manitobans will benefit from these changes, including:

·       outdoor gathering sizes on private property to double to 10 persons, and to allow outdoor visitors to briefly access homes for essential activities (e.g. to use a washroom);
    

·       public outdoor gathering sizes to increase to 25 persons;

·       retail businesses to open with increased capacity at 25 per cent to a limit of 250 persons, with no restrictions on the number of household members permitted to shop together;

·       personal service businesses (hair and nail salons, estheticians, barbers, etc.) to reopen at 50 per cent capacity, on an appointment basis only;

·       restaurants and bars to reopen at 25 per cent capacity for indoors and 50 per cent for outdoor dining. For indoor dining, patrons seated together must be from the same household unless all patrons at the table are fully immunized. Patrons who are fully immunized and from different households may dine together. For outdoor dining, tables are limited to a maximum of 8 patrons and can be from different households regardless of immunization status;

·       indoor faith-based services and organized community gatherings (e.g. pow wows, sun dance ceremonies) to resume at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of 25 persons with masks worn at all times;

·       outdoor faith-based and organized community gatherings (e.g. pow wows, sun dance ceremonies) to resume for up to 50 persons, provided distance can be maintained between households. Drive-in services continue to be permitted;

·       outdoor weddings and funerals may take place with up to 25 participants, in addition to photographer and officiants. Indoor weddings and funerals remain limited to 10 persons;

·       indoor dance, music, theatre and other organized sports and recreation activities may reopen at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of five persons, with no tournaments allowed;

·       outdoor dance, music and theatre classes and other organized recreation activities may reopen for groups up to 25 people, with no tournaments allowed;

·       swimming and wading pools, both indoor and outdoor, may reopen at 25 per cent capacity;

·       gyms and fitness facilities may reopen for individual and group fitness classes at 25 per cent capacity with three metres distance maintained between patrons; and;

·       summer day camps may reopen to a maximum of 20 participants in groups.

Following the COVID-19 safety fundamentals, including indoor mask use and physical distancing, is still required.

The orders are scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Aug. 2, the next milestone in the 4-3-2 One Great Summer Reopening Path. However, reopening capacities may be increased earlier if vaccination rate goals are reached sooner and the province’s overall COVID-19 situation continues to improve.

The next provincial milestone is set for Terry Fox Day, Aug. 2. At that time, the province will reopen to 50 per cent capacity or greater if 75 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 and above have received their first vaccination dose and 50 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 and above have received their second dose, while taking ongoing account of COVID-19 transmission. An earlier reopening will be considered depending on progress toward these goals.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

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 June 9, 2021

OUTDOOR GATHERINGS TO BE PERMITTED ON PRIVATE, PUBLIC SPACES AS NEW PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS IMPLEMENTED

Backgrounder: Background Information

Provincial public health orders will soon allow small outdoor gatherings on private and public property as many measures in the public health orders will remain in place to reduce the strain on Manitoba’s health-care system and reduce COVID-19 transmission rates.

A new set of public health orders start on Saturday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. and include provisions for outdoor gatherings with up to five people in public spaces and on private property.

Other restrictions remain in place including:

·       indoor public gatherings are not permitted and visitors are not permitted indoors on private property, except in certain circumstances;

·       requirements for employers to allow employees to work from home as much as possible;

·       retail businesses may only operate at 10 per cent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is fewer, and only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some exceptions, such as a single parent with children or someone who requires a caregiver;

·       continued requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to eliminate gatherings and ensure compliance with shopping; and

·       many businesses and organizations will remain closed for in-person service including gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants and bars (including patios), personal service businesses, museums, galleries and libraries.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools currently learning remotely in the cities of Winnipeg, Brandon and in the Red River Valley and Garden Valley school divisions will continue until the end of the school year, with some small group meetings allowed.  Schools in Morden and Dauphin will continue remote learning until June 21.

The new orders will remain in effect until Saturday, June 26, at 12:01 a.m.

In a recent feedback survey Manitobans were asked what first steps should be taken to ease public health restrictions while balancing the needs of the health-care system. The survey indicated that 93 per cent of respondents said the ability to gather with friends and family outdoors on private property would improve their quality of life significantly. Additionally, 85 per cent indicated the ability to gather with friends and family in outdoor public places would improve their quality of life. The survey ran from June 4 to 8 and over 33,000 Manitobans participated, the survey report can be found at https://engagemb.ca/restartmb-pandemic-response-system.   

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

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May 31, 2021 - Changes to existing Public Health Orders take effect May 29, 2021 and will remain in effect until 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2021.  The following province-wide public health orders are in effect:

 General COVID-19 Prevention Order (pdf)

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May 28, 2021 - The Manitoba government is further extending the state of emergency in continued efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and variants. The extension went into effect on May 29 for a period of 30 days. This is now the 15th extension of the state of emergency in Manitoba.

Manitoba’s Emergency Measures Organization provincial response team works with industry partners and experts to co-ordinate, collaborate and communicate effectively in supporting the rollout of programs and services to assist in Manitoba’s COVID-19 response strategy. EMO has been a critical player including facilitating the province’s overall response to personal protective equipment procurement and provision, developing the Pandemic Response System, ensuring alternative isolation accommodations were available, and advising and coordinating the enforcement of public health orders under the state of emergency.

The state of emergency was first declared on March 20, 2020, by the powers set out in section 10(1) and 10(2) of the Emergency Measures Act.

______________________________________

May 27, 2021 - New, strengthened public health orders are being put in place for the next two weeks to encourage Manitobans to stay at home to reduce COVID-19 transmission rates and to help protect the health-care system. A new set of public health orders start on May 29 at 12:01 a.m. and include:

• indoor public gatherings are not permitted and visitors are not permitted on private property, except in certain circumstances;

• requirements for employers to allow employees to work from home as much as possible; 

• outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are not allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields;

• retail businesses may only operate at 10 per cent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is fewer, and only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some exceptions, such as a single parent with children or someone who requires a caregiver;

• increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to eliminate gatherings and ensure compliance with shopping; and

• many businesses and organizations will remain closed for in-person service, including gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants and bars, personal service businesses, museums, galleries and libraries.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools currently learning remotely in the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon, and in the Red River Valley and Garden Valley school divisions, will continue until June 7.  Schools in Dauphin will continue remote learning until June 9.

Additionally, the chief provincial public health officer will utilize health-hazard orders to close businesses, if necessary, where there are multiple cases and transmission is a risk.

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May 25, 2021 - Additionally, all current public health orders will remain in effect until Saturday, May 29 at 12:01 a.m. and include:

·   indoor public gatherings are not permitted and visitors are not permitted on private property, except in certain circumstances;

·   outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are not allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields;

·   retail businesses may only operate at 10 per cent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is fewer, and only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some exceptions, such as a single parent with children or someone who requires a caregiver; and

·   many businesses and organizations will remain closed for in person service including gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants and bars, personal service businesses, museums, galleries and libraries.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

STAFF RETURNING TO OFFICE 

 As we previously informed you our office staff have been working  remotely over the past week and a half.  We are pleased to announce that the RM of Rosser Municipal Office staff are returning to work and will be in the office effective Tuesday, May 25, 2021.  For safety protocols our office will still be closed for walk in public access, however appointments can be made to conduct municipal transactions. 

Thank you for your understanding during these times and stay safe!

 TEMPORARY OFFICE CLOSURE

 Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have tried to keep our community informed about precautions and measures to take to fight the spread of COVID-19. Therefore today, we wish to advise our citizens that an employee at our Municipal Office has tested positive for COVID-19.  We will be working with public health authorities to ensure we are addressing all necessary measures for the safety of our staff, and the public who have recently visited our office. This includes, but is not limited to: The immediate closure of the office until we hear from public health. All office employees have been working from home during the temporary closure.  Anyone who is determined to have been in close contact of the positive case will be contacted directly by public health for further guidance. A full office building sanitization has already been conducted.  We recognize that this temporary closure may cause a minor disruption in service or inconvenience for some citizens, but we want to keep everyone safe. We expect to hear from public health shortly.

 
Our switchboard number (1-204-467-5711) is operational during normal business hours. In addition our staff remotely are monitoring our email address for the municipality (info@rmofrosser.com)
 
We are very aware that our role as an essential service provider requires diligence and a responsibility to protect the health and safety of our employees and community as whole. We ask for your patience during this time. 

Thank you, 

Frances Smee                          Larry Wandowich    

Reeve                                       Chief Administrative Officer

R.M. of Rosser                          R.M. of Rosser                                

MANITOBA GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES NEW PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER

The Manitoba government introduces new public heath orders. To view, the General COVID-19 Prevention Order (May 8, 2021), click here to view PDF. 

Possible exposure locations are listed online by region at the province’s #RestartMB Pandemic Response System webpage. For up-to-date information on possible public exposures to COVID-19 in regions, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flights.html#event and click on your region.  

Public health officials are reminding Manitobans that in most cases, they should only seek testing at a provincial test site if they are symptomatic or have been advised by public health that they are a close contact. This will help ensure that those who need to be tested can continue to access testing as easily as possible.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19. 

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

April 26, 2021

MANITOBA GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES NEW PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS TO CURB SPREAD OF THIRD WAVE OF COVID-19, PROTECT MANITOBANS

Backgrounder - Background Information (click here)

The Manitoba government is implementing new public health orders to restrict gathering sizes and help slow the spread of variants of concern to protect the health-care system and all Manitobans from the third wave of COVID-19 in Manitoba.

The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Wednesday, April 28 at 12:01 a.m. for a period of four weeks:

·         no visitors will be allowed to private households either indoors or outdoors with certain exceptions including allowing one visitor for people who live alone;

·         no indoor gatherings will be permitted and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed in public outdoor spaces only;

·         faith-based gatherings will be limited to 25 per cent capacity or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is lower, with indoor mask use required at all times;

·         patio dining will be restricted to groups of four people only with no household restrictions;

·         food courts in malls and shopping centres will be required to close;

·         gyms and fitness centres continue to be limited to 25 per cent capacity, but individuals, patrons and staff will be required to maintain physical distancing of three metres (nine feet) from others;

·         spectators at outdoor sports and recreation facilities will be limited to one parent/caregiver spectator per youth participant, if physical distancing of two metres (six feet) is maintained;

·         dance, theatre and music schools will continue to be limited to 25 per cent capacity, but the new orders will limit the maximum number of people on site to 10 with one parent/caregiver spectator per youth participant, if physical distancing of two metres (six feet) is maintained;

·         personal service business will be able to continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity, but appointments will be required;

·         day camps will be permitted to have up to 10 children indoors and outdoors; and

·         retail stores must be limited to 25 per cent of the capacity of the store or up to 250 patrons, whichever is lower, and malls will be limited to 25 per cent of the facility’s capacity.

In addition to these changes, enforcement will be enhanced in key sectors including for self-isolation requirements. Stakeholder outreach will be also be increased in malls and other spaces where gatherings are taking place. 

Changes to the orders will be in effect until Wednesday, May 26.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HEREfor current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HEREto view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HEREfor the online assessment tool, and HEREfor COVID-19 symptoms.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

April 19, 2021

NEW ORDERS PROTECT MANITOBANS AGAINST THIRD WAVE, EFFECTIVE

APRIL 20 AT 12:01 A.M.

Backgrounder - Background Information (click here)

New public health orders are being introduced this week to slow the spread of variants of concern and protect Manitobans and the health-care system against the third wave.

The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Tuesday, April 20 at 12:01 a.m.:

·         all households may only have two designated visitors indoors;

·         outdoor gatherings on public and private property limited to a maximum of 10 people including household members;

·         faith-based gatherings limited to 25 per cent capacity or 50 people, whichever is lower, with indoor masks orders in place except while household groups are seated at a service, are appropriately distanced from other groups and are not singing; and

·         weddings and funerals reduced to 10 people, in addition to an officiant and photographer.

The following additional public health order restriction will be in effect on Wednesday, April 21 at 12:01 a.m.:

·         Retail stores must be limited to one-third the capacity of the store or up to 333 patrons,

Changes to the orders are in effect until Wednesday, May 12.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HEREfor current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HEREto view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HEREfor the online assessment tool, and HEREfor COVID-19 symptoms.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

Update March 5, 2021

 February 9, 2021

NEW PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS FORMALIZE NEXT STEPS OF PROVINCE'S CAUTIOUS REOPENING EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 12

Backgrounder - Background Information (click here)

Following feedback from Manitobans and advice from public health leaders, the province is loosening a variety of restrictions while ensuring protocols are in place to protect Manitobans from the risks of COVID-19.

The orders will formalize the following changes for all of Manitoba, replacing the General COVID-19 Prevention Orders made on January 28 and the Northern Manitoba COVID-19 Prevention Orders made on February 1, 2021. The orders will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on February 12 and will last for three weeks.

The orders include the following changes, with further pandemic safety measures in place:

·        allowing restaurants and licensed premises to reopen at 25 per cent capacity with patron groups limited to members of the same household only;

·        allowing outdoor rinks to reopen for casual sports as well as organized practices and games, with multi-team tournaments not permitted;

·        allowing gyms, fitness centres and yoga studios to reopen at 25 per cent capacity;

·        allowing indoor sporting facilities such as rinks, gymnastic clubs and martial arts studios to reopen at 25 per cent capacity for individual instruction only;

·        allowing places of worship to hold regular religious services if a service does not exceed 10 per cent of usual capacity or 50 people, whichever is lower;

·        allowing self-help groups for persons dealing with addictions or other behaviours to hold meetings at 25 per cent capacity of the premise where meetings take place;

·        allowing museums, art galleries and libraries to operate at 25 per cent capacity;

·        allowing personal service businesses, such as those providing pedicures, electrolysis, cosmetic application, tanning, tattooing or massage services to reopen at 25 per cent capacity;

·        allowing photographers and videographers to offer services to individual clients or those residing in the same household in addition to providing services at weddings, with the exception of visiting client homes; and

·        allowing the film industry to operate fully with physical distancing and other safety measures in place.

The new orders also bring the entire province under the same restrictions, where the northern region had previously been under separate orders to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the region.

Under the new orders, northern Manitoba will see the changes listed above in addition to the restrictions in place over the last three weeks for the rest of the province including:

·        household visitor restrictions of up to two designated people,

·        visits of five people plus members of a household on an outdoor private property,

·        retail stores open at 25 per cent capacity or 250 people maximum with adequate physical distancing, and

·        non-regulated health services, hair salons and barbershops open with 25 per cent capacity and adequate physical distancing.

Since February 4, over 33,000 responses were provided on the proposed changes to the orders. Feedback indicated:

·        65 per cent of respondents felt somewhat or very comfortable going to restaurants;

·        57 per cent of respondents felt somewhat or very comfortable going to the gym or to a yoga studio; and

·        opening food services was ranked the highest priority for respondents, followed by opening personal services like nail salons and tattoo parlors, allowing gyms to reopen for individual training and allowing outdoor organized outdoor sports to resume for games or practices.

Final survey results will be posted on the EngageMB website once compiled.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

January 25, 2021

 PROVINCE MAKES MODEST CHANGES TO PROVINCIAL PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS PROTECTING MANITOBANS

 Thanks to the efforts of Manitobans, the province is now in a position to cautiously reduce some restrictions. Limited changes to the public health orders took effect on January 23rd and will last for three weeks. The following modest changes will balance the need to protect the health-care system while gradually restoring services and activities for Manitobans.

Previous restrictions in the orders will remain, with the following changes in effect beginning January 23rd for the Winnipeg (except for Churchill), Southern Health–Santé Sud, Interlake–Eastern and Prairie Mountain Health regions:

·         Household limits: orders will be expanded to allow increased personal connections to support the well-being of Manitobans by allowing:

-  Two designated people (family or friends) to visit a household under a new ‘rule of two’;

-  Outdoor visits of up to five people only plus members of a household on an outdoor private property; and

-  Funerals to have up to 10 people in addition to the officiant under clear COVID-19 protection protocols.

·         Retail operations: orders will be expanded to eliminate the essential items list, allowing all stores to open for the sale of products provided they maintain physical distancing and occupancy limits of 25 per cent only or a maximum of 250 people, whichever is lower.

·         Health and personal services: orders will be expanded to allow for the operation of basic services that promote physical and mental health for Manitobans:

-  Non-regulated health services, such as pedorthists and reflexologists, to reopen with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes; and

-  Barber shops and hair stylists to reopen at 25 per cent capacity with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes.

Given the high case counts in northern Manitoba communities, the changes outlined above will not apply to that region or Churchill. Household restrictions, retail operations limited to essential items only, and health and service operations will remain limited to regulated health professions.
  
As steps are taken toward a safe, gradual reopening to protect Manitobans, the province will continue to engage Manitobans to provide their feedback via EngageMB.

Manitobans were invited to provide feedback on the proposed reopening plans from January 19 to 21st, 35,052 responses were provided, and included:

·         62.1 per cent of respondents agreed that household limits should be increased to allow for two people with whom you regularly interact to visit your residence and up to five people outdoors on private property and that funerals should be permitted to have up to 10 people, in addition to officiants;

·         73.1 per cent of respondents agreed reopening non-regulated health professions, hair stylists and barbershops is an appropriate next step in a gradual reopening; and  

·         76.4 per cent of respondents agreed eliminating the essential items list and limiting retail capacity to 25 per cent or 250 patrons, or whichever is lower, is an appropriate next step in gradual reopening.

The province will monitor COVID-19 developments carefully and will make further adjustments to ease restrictions or re-impose restrictions depending on Manitobans’ collective success in keeping COVID-19 at bay.
 

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

 December 10, 2020

 PROVINCE EXTENDS PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS AHEAD OF THE HOLIDAYS, WITH MINOR ADJUSTMENTS

 The Manitoba government has extended public health orders from December 12 until January 8, 2021, as part of protecting Manitobans from COVID-19 during the holiday season.

 The existing Critical (red) level restrictions have been extended by public health order, with several modifications based on feedback from public, stakeholders and enforcement officials. Changes to the public health orders include:

 Allowing thrift stores to open with some capacity limits, to allow access to second-hand clothing and other items;

 Ensuring acupuncture and manual osteopathy practices are allowed to open to align with other health services;

 Clarifying the operation of food banks and food hamper services;

 Allowing private residences to allow legal services, landlord access and access for home businesses;

 Encouraging safe outdoor physical activity for individuals and immediate households only by providing guidance to clarify that people not from the same household need to keep two metres of distance between them and that gathering sizes must not exceed five people;

 Adding school supplies as an essential item under the restrictions to retail services;

 Allowing drive-in events as a temporary measure subject to compliance with the restrictions, and cars must contain members from one household only and no one may leave the car while at the event; and

 Permitting the Winnipeg Jets to train in Manitoba in preparation for an eventual NHL decision on a 2021 playing season.

A seasonal change to the order will also be included to allow for the sale of holiday decorations such as garlands and ornaments, and religious items like menorahs and candles.

 The updated orders and the list of items deemed essential are posted on the province’s Pandemic Response System website at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/orders/index.html#current. 

 Manitoba has announced the Safe at Home Manitoba program to provide support to Manitobans staying home during this critical time. Organizations, businesses and artists can visit https://https://www.safeathomemb.ca// for more information. 

 The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

 For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

November 20, 2020

 PROVINCE TIGHTENS RESTRICTIONS TO REDUCE GATHERINGS AND SOCIAL CONTACTS IN RESIDENCES AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS

Updated public health orders are in effect to further limit residential gatherings and retail operations to help halt the spread of COVID-19 and protect Manitobans.

 The updated orders will further restrict gatherings at private residences, including a home, cottage or other vacation property, with some exceptions to allow child-care, health-care and home care services, tutoring services, construction or repairs, or to respond to emergencies. In addition, exceptions will be made for those who live on their own to have one other person visit their home. 

In addition, people are prohibited from assembling in a gathering of more than five people at any indoor or outdoor public place including the common areas of a multi-unit residence, with the exception of a health-care facility or critical business that adheres to health protection measures. These measures are intended to allow for weddings, funerals and baptisms to take place with a capacity limit of five people. The province also recognizes the significant physical and mental health benefits from outdoor activities. 

 A retail business may open but may only sell only essential items in person, and must ensure compliance with capacity limits (25 per cent the usual capacity of the premise or 250 people, whichever is lower) and implement measures to ensure physical distancing. Retailers can continue to sell essential or non-essential items online, by telephone or by remote means for delivery or curb-side pickup. A list of essential and non-essential items are set out in the orders and in the backgrounder attached. 

 The province recently announced a number of increased enforcement measures that will help uphold these new orders including a contract with G4S Canada to boost COVID-19 enforcement efforts to help protect Manitobans and ensure there are consequences for those who disregard public health and emergency orders.

 In all, almost 3,300 personnel across various enforcement agencies are empowered to enforce public health orders including the RCMP, municipal police agencies, the Health Protection Unit, Manitoba Conservation and Climate, Workplace Safety and Health, and the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority.

 The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

 For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

November 13, 2020

 In an effort to clarify the social gatherings and household restrictions, please note that the provincial public health officials are advising Manitobans to reduce social contact and to socialize with members within their household.  

 In the case of a gathering at a private residence, no more than five additional members are permitted within the residence. In other words, the five-person limit does not apply to household members for private gatherings inside the home.

 Gatherings of more than five, outside the household member count, are subject to fines. Again, all persons who reside at that residence are not to be included when calculating the number of people permitted.

 To reiterate, the province strongly encourages all Manitobans to stay home and stay safe.

 The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

 For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

 November 10, 2020

Today, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced that as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, the province of Manitoba will move to the Critical level (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System to halt COVID-19 transmission and protect Manitoba’s most vulnerable citizens.

 The new Critical (red) level restrictions will be in effect provincewide and include:

•         Social contacts reduced to your household only. Social gatherings are not permitted.

•         Travel to and from northern Manitoba is restricted and non-essential travel is discouraged.

•         Retail businesses listed as critical services, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, can remain open at 25 per cent capacity. 

•         Retail businesses not on the list are able to provide e-service, curbside pickup or delivery services.

•         All personal service businesses, including hair salons, barbers and sites offering manicures, pedicures and other esthetic services, must close. 

•         Gyms and fitness centres must close.

•         Religious and cultural gatherings must close or be provided virtually only.

•         Restaurants must close to the public and may be open for delivery, drive-thru or takeout only.

•         All recreational activities, sports facilities, casinos, museums, galleries, libraries, movie theatres and concert halls must close.

 In addition, no changes will be made to child-care services or to kindergarten to Grade 12 education delivery at this time. Roussin noted the province has not seen widespread transmission among children, students and staff.

 There are a number of things Manitobans can do themselves to reduce the spread that go beyond the restrictions put in place, Roussin added. These include:

•         Reduce the number of shoppers from your household to the lowest possible number. Send only one person to shop.

•         Work from home if at all possible.

•         Reduce travel unless absolutely essential.

•         Remember all those you have come in contact with recently.

 As these restrictions go into place and in all regions, Manitobans are reminded that compliance and enforcement issues can be reported by visiting  and completing the reporting form at www.manitoba.ca/COVID19, or by calling 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) and pressing option three on the call menu. 

 Fines for breaching or failing to comply with public health or emergency orders have recently been increased to $1,296 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations.

 Click HERE to learn more.

 The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

 For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

 October 30, 2020

 Effective Monday November 2, 2020 in a further effort to practice social distancing and for the safety of our employees and citizens, our Municipal Office will be closed for public access, but appointments can be made to conduct any required transactions.  Please free to either phone our office as 204-467-5711 (between the hours of 8:30 am-4:30 pm Monday to Friday) or email info@rmofrosser.com with any inquires, as we will still be communicating in this fashion. 

 Public will be allowed to attend any Council Meetings during this time, but social distancing measures will be in effect.

 If you are dropping off payment, please use the drop box in the door.  Payments can also be made online through Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Credit Union, TD Canada, Scotiabank or via Telpay.ca.

 Manitoba Takes Decisive Action to Halt the Spread of COVID-19

#RestartMB Pandemic Response System Moves to Critical (red) in Winnipeg Metro Region

Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced provincewide changes to the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System today in order to halt the growing community transmission of COVID-19 in Manitoba.

 The announcement included:

Critical level (red) in the Winnipeg Metro Region – Effective Monday, Nov. 2, the Winnipeg Metro Region will move to the Critical level (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This includes the following changes:

o   Bars and restaurants will be closed except for take-out and delivery.

o   Most retail will be reduced to 25 per cent capacity.

o   Sports and recreation programming will be suspended.

o   Gyms and fitness centres will have reduced capacity to 25 per cent and masks will be mandatory, even when exercising.

o   Movie theatres and concert halls will close.

o   Personal services have no change and stay at 50 per cent capacity.

o   Non-urgent and elective surgeries and diagnostics will be suspended. Scheduled surgeries in a number of essential and time-sensitive areas will continue to be performed including cancer, cardiac and trauma. Patients will be contacted directly if their scheduled surgeries are affected.

o   Visitation at all Manitoba hospitals has been suspended, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis for patients receiving end-of-life care, in labour and delivery, as well as in pediatrics.

o   Faith-based gatherings are reduced to 15 per cent or 100 people, whichever is lower. 

For further information, click HERE.

 REMEMBER to turn your clocks back - Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 1st.

HALLOWEEN – Be COVID Careful.  At this time, Manitoba families are encouraged to reduce the number of close contacts outside of their households, and avoid closed-in or crowded spaces.

Manitobans are also strongly encouraged to focus on the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes:

• Staying home if you’re sick, even if your symptoms are only mild.
• Washing/sanitizing your hands frequently.
• Covering your cough.
• Practicing physical distancing when you are with people outside of your household.
• Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces in situations where you cannot physically distance, or as required by public health orders.

• Household members who feel unwell should not take part. Use the COVID-19 screening tool or the COVID-19 screening questions before participating in activities.
• If you start to feel unwell when out, return home as soon as you can.
• Be aware of local Pandemic Response System levels and consider alternatives to trick or treating as appropriate to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.

Physical Distancing

• Limit contact with non-household members. Trick-or-treat within your household.
• Traditional greetings such as handshakes, kissing and hugging should be avoided.
• Maintain a two-metre distance from people outside of your household or extended household group. Take turns and wait until any group ahead is gone.
• Decorate your household and yard for distance viewing.

Masking

• Wear a non-medical mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained or is unpredictable.
• Consider incorporating a non-medical mask into your costume (while making sure your eyes are unobstructed for safety).
• However, having a costume mask on top of a non-medical mask may not be safe.
• Wear a non-medical mask to distribute candy.
• Remember, children under the age of two should not wear a non-medical mask. Click here for more information on proper masks use.

Hand Hygiene

• Follow proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette including:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Scrub for at least 15 seconds.
• Use a Health Canada-approved alcohol based hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly dirty and handwashing is not possible.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes, and then wash/ sanitize your hands after.

 Treat Distribution

• Where possible, provide individual contactless candy distribution. Use tools (e.g. tongs) to distribute candy at a distance.
• Provide individual bags and avoid self-service such as a common candy bowl
• Supervise, as needed, while maintaining physical distancing
• Provide wrapped, store bought treats only
• Indoor or mall-based trick-or-treating is permitted where physical distancing is maintained and shared contact items are minimized or eliminated. Note that changing public health orders and Pandemic Response System may limit or restrict these activities. Check with the site before you make your plans.

Other Activities

• Consider only planning activities that allow people to continue to maintain physical distancing. Avoid activities where respiratory droplets may be exchanged, such as bobbing for apples.
• Pumpkin carving and decorating where individual pumpkins and tools are provided and individuals practice good hand hygiene, maintain appropriate physical distancing and adhere to any current gathering size restrictions.
• A costume parade where physical distancing can be maintained
• Haunted Houses/Ghost Tours/Corn Mazes/Pumpkin Patches may be permitted, depending on local restrictions under current public health orders and the Pandemic Response System.  However, the following guidelines must be followed:
• organizers, staff, or attending public must self-screen using the COVID-19 screening tool or the COVID-19 screening questions, and stay home if unwell
• manage line-ups carefully to ensure physical distancing
• minimize time indoors
• consider online bookings with timed arrivals with flexible cancellation policies
• consider contactless payment
• recommend all attendees (e.g. staff, volunteers, public, etc.) wear a non-medical mask, especially indoors
• follow store/event policy
• maintain a two-metre distance from persons who are not in your household group
• employees, for example in haunted houses, must maintain physical distancing from guests
• provide enough time and space between tour groups to maintain physical distancing
• clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces between groups
• encourage frequent hand hygiene
• any food or beverage services must follow the appropriate provincial guidelines
• any other activities within the event venue must follow the appropriate provincial guidelines

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

 For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

October 23, 2020

 On Friday, October 16, the Province of Manitoba announced the following;

With the growing number of cases in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, the province is introducing targeted measures under the Restricted (Orange) level of the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System to reduce community spread of the virus by reducing close-prolonged contact between people. 

 
These measures will come into effect on Monday, October 19, for a minimum of two weeks, and include:

·      closing all beverage rooms, entertainment facilities, casinos and bingo halls;

·      lowering indoor and outdoor gathering sizes from 10 to five, the five-person limit does not apply to household members for private gatherings inside the home;

·      reducing group/table sizes in restaurants and lounges from 10 to five and formally reducing capacity at these locations to 50 per cent;

·      formally reducing capacity at retail businesses to 50 per cent, including lowering gathering sizes from 10 to five in food courts and common areas;

·      reducing the number of spectators to 25 per cent of a site’s capacity for after-school activities and sporting events;

·    formally reducing the capacity of museums, galleries and libraries to 50 per cent and requiring   sites to collect contact information for all attendees; and

·      requiring gyms and fitness centres to collect contact information for all attendees.
 

The current measures requiring mandatory mask use in indoor public places, reducing liquor service hours and noise restrictions at licensed facilities continue to be in force in the region.
 
In order to reduce community spread, residents in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region are strongly encouraged to limit the number of people from each household who go shopping. Families with children in after-school or sporting activities are strongly encouraged to have only one parent attend events, games or practices. People going to gyms or fitness centres must wear a mask unless they are participating in physical activity.

These measures will be in effect for two weeks, and may be renewed with additional restrictions if these changes are unable to slow the community transmission currently seen in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.  

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

For Rural Municipality updates, click HERE to visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Starting Monday, September 28, 2020, masks are mandatory in the office.  For the safety of our employees and citizens, a limited number of individuals will be permitted within the office at one time (under 10), along with hand hygiene and physical distancing. If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or generally not feeling well, please do not visit the office at this time.

As an alternative to visiting the office, please feel free to either phone our office at 204-467-5711 (between office hours) or email info@rmofrosser.com with any inquires, as we will still be communicating in this fashion.

If you are dropping off payment, please use the drop box in the door. Payments can also be made online through Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Credit Union, TD Canada, Scotiabank or via Telpay.ca.

If you wish to make a payment by cash, please contact our CAO, Larry Wandowich, and he will arrange to meet you at the office to process your payment.  Larry can be reached at 204-390-0636.

We will continue to follow the Province’s recommendations and will keep our community notified of any changes.

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND NOTICES FROM THE RM OF ROSSER REGARDING COVID-19:

___________________________________________________________________________________________September 25, 2020

 Provincial Response Level: CAUTION

COVID-19 is still a threat across Manitoba, however transmission levels are low. The Chief Provincial Public Health Officer has set the response level to yellow.

Today, the Province of Manitoba has announced the following;

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 2.6 per cent and 53 new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the number of cases in Manitoba to 1,764. 

However, a previously announced case from the Winnipeg health region was removed from the case totals pending further case investigation, bringing the net new cases identified since yesterday to 53.

The data shows:

• two cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;

• two cases in the Interlake–Eastern health region; 

• two cases in the Northern health region;

• four cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud; and

• 44 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

The data also shows:

• 487 active cases and 1,258 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; 

• there are 13 people in hospital and six people in intensive care; and

• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 19. 

Confirmed laboratory testing numbers show 1,607 tests were completed on Wednesday and 2,354 tests were completed on Thursday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 173,999. Case investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified. 

Manitoba's public health officials will be elevating the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System level for the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region to Restricted (orange) effective September 28, with new measures being put in place help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

This includes the:

• City of Winnipeg; 

• City of Selkirk; 

• Town of Stonewall; 

• Rural Municipality (RM) of Cartier; 

• RM of Headingley; 

• RM of Macdonald; 

• RM of Ritchot; 

• RM of Rockwood; 

• RM of Rosser;

• RM of Springfield; 

• RM of St. Andrews; 

• RM of St. Clements; 

• RM of St. François Xavier;

• RM of Taché;

• RM of West St. Paul;

• RM of East St. Paul;

• Town of Niverville; and 

• Village of Dunnottar.

As of Monday, September 28, masks will be mandatory in all indoor public places in these communities. Gatherings will also be restricted to 10 people, both indoors and outdoors. 

These restrictions will remain in place for a minimum of four weeks (two incubation periods of the virus). Further direction or additional restrictions may be put in place by public health at any time. All other existing orders and rules for schools, child care, retail, museums, theatres and casinos will remain the same for the time being. 

In addition to these measures, government and public health officials are consulting with the restaurant industry as well as bars, beverage rooms, brew pubs, microbreweries and distilleries on steps that could be implemented to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Additional measures may be put in place following these consultations.

Public health officials have advised River East Collegiate in Winnipeg of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the school on September 18. Based on the public health investigations, the exposure was assessed to be low risk. The infection was not acquired at school.

In addition, public health officials have declared the COVID-19 outbreaks over at Fred Douglas Lodge and Concordia Place personal care homes. The site has returned to the Caution (yellow) level on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. 

The Chief Provincial Public Health officer strongly encourages residents of and visitors to Winnipeg to focus on these fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

• People must stay home if sick. 

• Wash/sanitize your hands, cover your cough and physically distance when you are with people outside your household. 

• If you cannot physically distance, you should wear a mask to help reduce your risk. 

• Reduce the number of close contacts outside your household, and avoid closed-in or crowded spaces. 

Unless recommended by public health officials, only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. 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 Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE for current information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

Click HERE for the online assessment tool, and HERE for COVID-19 symptoms.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

August 28, 2020  

Dear fellow neighbours and friends,

As I read the Winnipeg Free Press article (link below), titled "Rural Communities Uniquely Challenged by Pandemic”, I feel inspired to reach out to our Rosser community.

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/rural-communities-uniquely-challenged-by-pandemic-572221982.html

With the increase in COVID-19 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region, elevating it to the restricted level (orange) according to the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System, we are reminded to return to the fundamentals to help stop the spread. This means physical distancing, practicing proper hand hygiene, staying home if feeling ill, etc.

Online tools are at our fingertips. 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. 

The Province of Manitoba states that unless recommended by public health, only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. If you are an employer, the Province asks to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health.

As I’ve shared with you before, I truly believe that although we are a small community, we are strong, resilient, and have an extraordinary ability to support each other.  Please continue to work together and assist any of your neighbours that may need extra care at this time.

Take care and be well until we meet again.

Warm regards,

Frances Smee

Reeve

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________JJune 18, 2020

RESTORING SAFE SERVICES: MANITOBA’S PANDEMIC AND ECONOMIC ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY PHASE 3 

Planned for implementation on June 21, 2020.

The Manitoba government released PHASE 3 - DRAFT PLAN of the Roadmap to Restore Services.  Changes proposed in the draft Phase Three plan, outlined below, are in addition to those introduced in Phase One and Phase Two. Conditions outlined in earlier phases continue to apply and critical services can continue to operate.   If public health results deteriorate or guidelines are not sufficient, Phase 3 measures may be paused and previous measures may be re-introduced. 

Public Gatherings

Public Gatherings: Faith-Based and Other Cultural Gatherings

Public Gatherings: Pow Wows and Other Indigenous Cultural and Spiritual Gatherings

Self-Isolation for Manitobans Returning to and Domestic Travellers Entering Manitoba

Professional Sports Teams

Child Care Services

Day Camps

K-12 Schools

Post-Secondary Institutions and Vocational Colleges

Permanent Outdoor Amusements Parks

Outdoor Recreation Facilities and Golf Courses

Travel to Northern Parks, Campgrounds, Cabins, Lodges and Resorts

Community/Service Centres

Senior Centres/Clubs

Film Production

Retail Businesses

Restaurants, Bars, Beverage Rooms, Brew Pubs, Microbreweries and Distilleries

Therapeutic or Health Care Businesses

Indoor Recreation, Including All Non-Smoking Sites with VLT Lounges, Bingo Halls, Billiard Rooms, and Other Indoor Amusement Centres

Indoor Recreation, Including All Non-Smoking Sites with VLT Lounges, Bingo Halls, Billiard Rooms, and Other Indoor Amusement Centres

To view the changes proposed in the Phase 3 Draft Plan click here.   For the complete version, PDF file, click here.

SURVEY - The Province is asking Manitobans to comment on the draft plan. If you would like to participate, please provide your feedback on the Phase 3 – Draft Plan by completing the survey here.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

May 29, 2020

Greetings!  Below, please find information relating to the Province of Manitoba and the Rural Municipality of Rosser.

On Wednesday the Province announced that on June 1st Manitoba will be moving into PHASE 2 of the RESTORING SAFE SERVICES: MANITOBA’S PANDEMIC AND ECONOMIC ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY.

Community centres and other multi-purpose facilities such as church basements, arenas and town halls can be reopened with capacity limitations and prescribed operating procedures.

As it relates to Senior clubs/activities, the Public Health officials have stated, "Seniors are at increased risk of more serious complications from COVID-19 disease. However, there are many services provided to this population that are critical for their physical and mental well-being. Any further delay to operations may result in harmful effects.”  That being said, please adhere to the guidelines featured under "Seniors Centres/Clubs” in addition to the general guidance that all groups need to follow.

To view the PHASE 2 plan click here.  

Note that changes in the Phase Two plan outlined below are in addition to those introduced in Phase One. If no changes are below, the conditions outlined in Phase One still apply. Essential services can continue to operate.  Click on any of the links below to learn more.

·         Public Gatherings (Effective May 22)

·         Professional Team Sports (Effective May 22)

·         Outdoor Visits in Personal Care and Long-Term Care Settings (Effective May 29)

·         Outdoor Drive-in Events (Effective June 1)

·         Child Care Services (Effective June 1)

·         Schools (Effective June 1)

·         Day Camps (Effective June 1)

·         Post-Secondary Institutions and Vocational Colleges (Effective June 1)

·         Team Sports and Other Recreational Activities (Effective June 1)

·         Outdoor Recreation Facilities and Golf Courses (Effective June 1)

·         Travel to Northern Parks, Campgrounds, Cabins, Lodges and Resorts (Effective June 1)

·         Public/Private Swimming Pools, Splash Parks, Spas, Fitness Clubs, Gyms and Training Facilities (Effective June 1)

·         Community/Services Centres (Effective June 1)

·         Seniors Centres/Clubs (Effective June 1)

·         Personal Services Businesses (Effective June 1)

·         Restaurants (Effective June 1)

·         Bars, Beverage Rooms, Brew Pubs, Micro-Brewers and Distilleries (Effective June 1)

·         Film Production (Effective June 1)

·         Therapeutic or Health Care Businesses (Effective June 1)

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

May 21, 2020

Message from the Rural Municipality of Rosser 

Greetings and thank you to all for doing your part to flatten the curve. Below, please find information relating to the Province of Manitoba and the Rural Municipality of Rosser.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 290.

The significant efforts taken by Manitobans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 continue to have the desired effect and the Province is moving towards publishing a date and the rules around Phase 2 of restoring services. Before Phase two starts, as of tomorrow, May 22, public health orders will be modified to increase the limit on gathering size to no more than 25 people for indoor premises and 50 for outdoor areas, providing social distancing measures are in place. Other changes such as an expansion of the types of businesses or facilities that can re-open are being discussed as part of Phase 2, and more details will be announced once those decisions are made. For the citizens of Rosser, this means the community centres are not allowed to open yet.

In addition, work is underway Provincially to allow limited, outdoor visitation at personal care homes. Individual facilities are putting procedures in place and will be contacting families directly to provide details including the start date, locations and hours for visitation. Facilities are expected to have this in place by Friday, May 29. This is not a return to normal but does provide a balance between ensuring the health of residents while retaining access to social connections. Indoor visits will remain suspended for now, except for compassionate reasons.

RESTORING SAFE SERVICES: MANITOBA’S PANDEMIC AND ECONOMIC ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY

PHASE 2 – DRAFT PLAN

Today, the Manitoba government released PHASE 2 - DRAFT PLAN of the Roadmap to Restore Services.  To view the changes proposed in the Phase Two draft plan click here.   Please Note: Changes in the Draft Plan for Phase Two are in addition to those introduced in Phase One. If no changes are outlined in the Draft Plan for Phase Two the conditions outlined in Phase One still apply.  The Province is asking Manitobans to comment on the draft plan. If you would like to participate, please provide your feedback on the Phase 2 – Draft Plan by completing the survey click here.

MUNICIPAL OFFICE – Effective June 1st, the Municipal Office will be open to the public three days per week; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  

For the safety of our employees and citizens, limited number of individuals will be permitted within the office at one time, along with hand hygiene and physical distancing.  If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or generally not feeling well, please do not visit the office.  As an alternative to visiting the office, please feel free to either phone our office at 204-467-5711 (between the hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday) or email info@rmofrosser.com with any inquires.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

May 11, 2020

Click on the title below to view a notice from Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority,  encouraging people to seek care at emergency rooms if needed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how to register with Family Doctor Finder to secure a regular health care provider if you don't already have one: 

IERHA - Emergency Departments Open 

May 6, 2020

Message from the Rural Municipality of Rosser

As businesses in the province are re-opening, the Province of Manitoba has created a web page where you can obtain further information regarding the Province’s Phrased Approach to restoring safe service.   Please reference the Q & A/Updates for Businesses section.  Here is the link for the web page: https://engagemb.ca/covid19-csp

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

April 30, 2020

Message from the Rural Municipality of Rosser

Greetings and thank you to all for doing your part to flatten the curve. Below, please find information relating to the Rural Municipality and the Province of Manitoba.

Raise the Roof Rosser - Much appreciation to those who joined in the "Raise the Roof Rosser”, held April 19th, where Rosser residents honoured those working to ease our burdens and for those recovering their health during this pandemic.  Many captured those exciting moments and can be viewed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Municipal Office - In a further effort to practice social distancing and for the safety of our employees and citizens, our Municipal Office is still closed for public access while we are working on a plan on how to safely open.  

As an alternative to visiting the office, please feel free to either phone our office at 204-467-5711 (between the hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday) or email info@rmofrosser.com with any inquires. Should access be required, we will schedule a time to meet in person.

The public is allowed to attend any Council Meetings during this time, however social distancing measures will be in effect. We will also provide interim electronic web access to those wishing to view the meeting remotely.

Utility Bills - Municipal Council Members certainly understand the financial hardship that the current pandemic has caused to some families. In an effort to provide some relief to those having difficulties making payments, the Council has decided to waive any interest on utility accounts in arrears for the months of April and May.  For those that are unable to pay your utility bill by the due date, please email accounts@rmofrosser.com or call 204-467-5711 and ask for the utility payment officer.

Quick Highlights from the Province

·         Restoring Safe Services Together: Roadmap

The Province has released a roadmap highlighting critical public health measures that will be in place for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the criteria for easing secondary public health measures. It provides recommendations on how to operationalize and implement mitigation strategies, outlines the initial measures that can be eased, and sets out options for future changes. To learn more about the Province’s Phased Approach click here.   To learn more about the "Restoring Safe Services – Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery” click here for the 34-page PDF. 

·         Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority

Public health officials are expanding COVID-19 testing criteria to let more Manitobans take advantage of testing. If you have cold or flu like symptoms - you can come for testing.   Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose, malaise, headache, muscle aches, hoarse voice, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, poor feeding (infant).

Individuals are directed to contact Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9527 to determine if testing for COVID-19 should be considered.

Click here to visit the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority for more information.

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

April 17, 2020 

Message from the Rural Municipality of Rosser

According to the Province of Manitoba, the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 250 as of April 16th.

The data also shows:
•    eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
•    124 active cases and 121 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
•    the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at five.

Quick Highlights from the Province

• Anyone entering Manitoba, regardless of whether it was from another country or another province must self-isolate for 14 days.
• Manitobans are strongly encouraged to practice good hygiene and social distancing.  This includes:

-          cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, and disposing of tissues appropriately;

-          staying home and away from others, especially if you are sick; and

-          maintaining a distance of two metres or six feet from others in public.

• Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete the online self-assessment at www.manitoba.ca/covid19;
• Manitobans seeking assistance due to COVID-19 or looking to volunteer to support others during this time can visit www.HelpNextDoorMB.ca to register. 

The Province of Manitoba is the authority on COVID-19. Please continue to visit their website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19. 

We are witnessing the very best of humanity at this time of global crisis. Let’s continue to care and look out for each other.  We’re all in this together. 

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

April 15, 2020

Message from the Reeve:

Hello everyone:

As always, I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. Indications are that our self-distancing, isolation, hand washing and general disinfecting practices may be paying off. However, we still need to remain vigilant as the numbers and our situation could change very quickly.

We also want to keep in mind those frontline workers who are continuing to provide essential services. This includes healthcare workers, first responders and fire fighters, as well as those working at food stores, banks and credit unions, hardware stores, gas stations, pet stores, hotels and motels, post offices….and the list goes on.

In cities around the world, people are sending out their thanks by clapping, singing from balconies, honking horns etc. In rural settings, it’s a little more challenging but the truth is many of us are able to make louder noises. To honour all those who are providing services during this crisis, and those who are working to regain their health, we are inviting all Rosser residents to step outside this Sunday, April 19th, at 12:00 noon and make as much noise as you can. Sing, shout, clap, play a drum, honk a horn, ring a bell, get your dogs barking and your ducks quacking, get your high school saxophone out and let fly. For those in villages you can wave at your neighbours and give them a thumbs up. For those on the farm, try and see if you can hear your neighbours and if they can hear you. Blast that semi horn! Capture those moments in photos and/or videos and post them on our new Facebook Public Group, or tag us @RosserTogether on Twitter and Instagram.  Alternatively, you can email them to rossertogether@gmail.com.

Facebook Public Group (click here)

Instagram (click here)

Twitter (click here) 

Remember, we are all in this together!  Keep looking out for one another, keep your chin up and keep on keeping on.

With many thanks to all,

Frances

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

April 1, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, all Manitobans have a role to play in slowing its spread and minimizing its impact on the health-care system and in communities. Please continue to wash hands, disinfect areas around your home and work, practice social distancing, and take common preventive measures. It’s important to stay informed and understand the facts. Please visit the Province of Manitoba website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

We understand and appreciate the scale and scope of COVID-19 can be very challenging and may cause increased stress and anxiety. Information and resources on managing stress are available to help you and your family. Please click on the blue link in the previous sentence.

The following is further information that may help inform you:

-The Province of Manitoba has directed that only essential business will remain open and operational effective April 1st, 2020 at 12:01 am until further notice. 

For a complete list of all essential services, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/2019_2020/orders-soe-03302020.pdf

-The Rosser Transfer Station will remain open regular hours at this time (Mon & Thurs 1pm-5pm, and Fri & Sat 9am-5pm) To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, medical items such as gloves, masks, sanitizing wipes and facial tissues are not to be put in your recycling bins. These items are considered contaminated and when they end up in the blue bins, sorting staff have to manually remove them off the line. For the health and safety of the collection and sorting staff, please only include accepted items in your recycling.

When visiting our transfer station, please ensure you practice social distancing by standing a minimum of two meters away from the attendant.  Signage is also posted onsite stating that only one vehicle will be allowed on the hill at once.  If a vehicle is already on the hill when you arrive, please wait at the STOP sign until the vehicle has exited.  Please note the ‘giveaway shack’ is closed.

-As Manitoba’s health system continues with preparations to ensure the province is prepared to meet the needs of patients and to ensure appropriate protection from COVID-19 is available to health-care workers, donations of the following supplies are now welcome by the province:

•    N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial grade;

•    surgical/procedure masks;

•    gloves;

•    disposable gowns and

•    disinfectants and cleaners.

Supplies must be in original packaging, clean and in useable condition.  Expired supplies are not able to be accepted. For more information on donating supplies, visit:

https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/supply-donations/ or call (toll-free) 1-833-408-0101.

-There have been reports of multiple phishing scams related to COVID-19. Many are asking people for credit card information to provide medication following positive test results. This is not a call that Manitobans would receive from public health officials. Manitobans are advised not to provide any financial data. Hang up on the caller and to report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at (toll-free) 1-888-495-8501.

-As we understand many people are taking this opportunity to ‘spring clean’ and declutter their homes, it is suggested that you please refrain from holding any yard or garage sales at this time, while we all do our best to practice social distancing!

Thank you for doing your part to flatten the curve. Now more than ever, we need the cooperation of everyone. Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should use the provincial online tool to assess and then call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.

Take care of yourself and take care of each other.

                                   ~ Message from the RM of Rosser - March 26, 2020~

Yesterday, public health officials advise 14 additional probable cases of COVID-19 have been identified, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 35 at this time.

All are encouraged to continue to wash hands, disinfect areas around your home and work, practice social distancing, and take common preventive measures. It’s important to stay informed and understand the facts. Please visit the Province of Manitoba website daily for updates.

Click HERE to visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website.

Click HERE to view the Province of Manitoba’s Media Releases on COVID-19.

The following is further information that may help inform you: 

Drinking Water –According to the World Health Organization, there is no evidence that the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is present in or being transmitted by drinking water supplies. We continue to receive best practices from the Province of Manitoba Office of Drinking Water.

Rosser Municipal Office – Our office is still closed for public access until further notice.  We will carry on business as usual the best we can via phone and email.  As LI2 debenture prepayments are due March 31, 2020, cheque payments can be made using the drop box in the door.  You can also pay online through Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Credit Union, TD Canada, Scotiabank or via Telpay.ca.

If you wish to make a payment by cash, please contact our CAO, Larry Wandowich, and he will arrange to meet you at the office to process your payment.  Larry can be reached at 204-390-0636.

Rosser Postal Office – In an effort to practice social distancing, and the fact that the Rosser Postal Office is a small confined space, a limit of one customer is permitted within the office. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Community Centres – Our municipality community centres have taken a lead role by voluntarily closing during this time, as they do their part to help people adhere to social distancing.

Groceries and Medication – If you are heading out, consider contacting a neighbour or friend and offer to pickup any groceries or medication on their behalf.  This act of kindness will help limit the number of people in stores.  

Online Shopping – The pandemic has led to a spike in online shopping. If you prefer to purchase your groceries online, and your home falls within the approved delivery service region, do expect delays. Anticipate what you may need and plan ahead. But please don’t hoard.

Manitobans Helping Manitobans– Consider volunteering your time.  A new online tool has been introduced for Manitobans to help vulnerable Manitobans (such as the elderly, disabled and medically vulnerable). Help Next Door MB is a network of helpers coming together as a community. If you are a volunteer ready to provide your support or someone who needs a helping hand through these difficult times, this platform can connect you.  To learn more, please visit Help Next Door MB (Click Here)

To catch up on municipality updates and communication from our Reeve, visit Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice (Click Here).

We are witnessing the very best of humanity at this time of global crisis. Let’s continue to care and look out for each other.  We are all in this together.                                            

                                          ~Message from the Reeve - March 24, 2020~     

Hello neighbours and friends:

I hope this finds you all well and coping with the many changes that are impacting you and your family at this stressful time. Manitoba currently has one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the country, but this could change at any time. If we are to keep our numbers low, we must continue to rigorously practice social distancing protocols. We must also remember that each province has different testing strategies, so we shouldn’t assume too much by statistics alone. The reality remains that our only chance of containing this outbreak is to be vigilant in following the directives of the Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding hygiene, social distancing, self-quarantine, and the restrictions on travel and non-essential services. Updates are always available on the government websites: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/index.htmlor
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Yesterday, the Province implemented a 14-day self-isolation requirement for all those returning from travels outside Manitoba, including to other areas in Canada. Our CAO, Larry Wandowich, returned this past weekend from Alberta and has placed himself in self isolation. Plans were already in place at the municipal office to address the absence of any staff member, and so Larry will be carrying on his duties and continuing his leadership from his home for the next several days.

On a positive note, the Federal Government has announced further funding to the Farm Credit Canada program which will assist our farm families and agricultural operations to weather the coming days and the uncertainties that we are facing.

We continue to be advised that the supply chain in Canada has not been adversely affected, however to ensure this continues to be the case we need to maintain reasonable consumption and purchasing practices. Hoarding is neither required nor recommended. We have learned as well, that pharmacies are now filling prescriptions for 1 month supplies only, to ensure there are no shortages of vital medications.

Rosser Council and staff continue to work hard running day-to-day operations while complying with all specified standards. We remain in close touch with the Provincial and Federal governments, as well as service providers and neighbouring communities. Please feel free to call any member of Council if you have questions or concerns. We would also love to hear positive stories of how our community is rising to meet this challenge!

Take care. Keep looking out for each other.

Frances Smee

Reeve                            

                                                 ~Message from the Reeve - March 18, 2020~

Hello everyone:

I just wanted to reach out to our community to let you know that Rosser Council and staff are continuing to work with all levels of government, social services and community resources to make sure we are well-positioned to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.

PLEASE take social-distancing recommendations seriously. Now is the time we can make a real difference in lessening the coming impact to our community. Don’t wait until the virus is on our doorstep.

The supply chain in Canada has not been disrupted so hoarding is not necessary and, in fact, strongly discouraged.

Cartier Water Co-op reports they have topped up all chemicals required to continue services. As well, their suppliers have confirmed that they do not predict shortages.

Because of early attention to the COVID-19 situation, the RM has all supplies required by office staff, Public Works and our Fire Department in stock.

We suggest that people fill prescriptions for a 3-month period. Pharmacies are able to do this but do not look to get a year’s supply of any medication.

Reports confirm Canadian blood supplies are starting to be negatively affected because of social distancing protocols. If you are in a position to give blood, contact Canadian Blood Services to set up an appointment. www.blood.ca or 1-888-236-6283.

Remember to stay in touch with neighbors who might need groceries picked up, other assistance or may just want to chat. There will be some people in our community feeling particularly isolated and vulnerable at this time. A phone call and a friendly voice might make all the difference.

Council has asked me to tell you that all council members are available to take calls and answer any questions you may have. As we have mentioned before, the Province is taking the lead on dealing with the outbreak and they have all updated information on their website. https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/index.html

And, the simplest thing we can all do to safeguard our health is wash our hands!

Take care and be well,

Frances Smee

Reeve 

                                                      ~Message from the Reeve - March 13, 2020~

Dear fellow neighbours,

Further to today’s Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice, I reach out to you to inform you that our municipality is taking this matter seriously and remind you to refer to the Manitoba Government health hyperlinks to be well informed on all updates.

Rural Municipality of Rosser’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Notice (Click Here).

This is a stressful time for everyone and certainly not something any of us expected. Although we are a small community, we are strong, resilient, and have an extraordinary ability to support each other. Please continue to work together and assist any of your neighbours that may need extra care at this time.

Take care and be well until we meet again.

Warm regards,

Frances Smee

Reeve