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COVID-19

Province of Manitoba: COVID-19

Restoring Safe Services Together: Manitoba's Phased Approach

Business Toolkit for Safe Return to Work 

Province of Manitoba Regulations & Updates

Saturday, June 12th, 2021

Outdoor Gatherings to be Permitted on Private, Public Spaces as New Public Health Orders Implemented - Click Here

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 percent 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.

The new orders will remain in effect until Saturday, June 26, at 12:01 a.m. For a full listing of the current health orders, all of which will remain in effect, visit: manitoba.ca/covid19/prs/index.html.

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

New Strengthened Public Health Orders Serve to Keep Manitobans Home and Protect the Health-Care System - Click Here

A new set of public health orders start on 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;
  • 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.

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.

The new orders will remain in effect until Saturday, June 12, at 12:01 a.m. For a full listing of the current health orders, all of which will remain in effect, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/prs/index.html.

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

May Long Weekend Public Health Orders Extended - Click Here

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 percent 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.

For a full listing of the current health orders, all of which will remain in effect, visit manitoba.ca/covid19/prs/index.html.

Saturday, May 22nd, 2021

Additional Public Health Orders Introduced to Lower Case Counts, Reduce Stress on Health-Care System - Click here

The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m.:

  • Outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are no longer allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields; 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.

Sunday, May 9th, 2021

Significant Restrictions Introduced to Protect Manitobans and Relieve Stress on Health Care System - Click here

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021

Manitoba Government Introduces New Public Health Orders to Curb Spread of Third Wave of COVID-19 - Click Here

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021

New Orders Protect Manitobans Against Third Wave - Click Here

Saturday, March 13th, 2021

Minor changes to Public Health Orders Effective March 13th, 2021 - Click Here

Friday, March 5th, 2021

New Public Health Orders Effective March 5th, 2021 - Click Here

Friday, February 12th, 2021

New Public Health Orders Formalize Next Steps of Province's Cautious Reopening - Click Here

Monday, February 8th, 2021

Effective Monday, February 8th, 2021 the Town of Virden Office will be re-opened to the public with limited capacity.

Payments are still encouraged to be made by the following methods:

  • Internet Banking
  • Telephone Banking
  • E-Transfer 
  • Mail
  • The Drop Slot in the Front Doors of the Town Office

Alternate & Online Banking Payments Information

Friday, January 29th, 2021

Changes to Provincial Public Health Orders - Click Here

Saturday, January 23rd, 2021

Modest Changes to Provincial Public Health Orders - Click Here

Friday, January 8th, 2021

Provincial Public Health Orders Extended for Two Weeks with Minor Adjustments - Click Here

Province of Manitoba COVID-19 Bulletin #308 - Click Here

Tuesday, December 8th, 2020

Province of Manitoba News Release December 8th, 2020 - Click Here

Thursday, November 19th, 2020

The Province of Manitoba announced new restrictions within the Public Health Order, effective November 20th, 2020.

For a complete list of relevant information from today, November 19th News Conference please see a list of links below:

Province of Manitoba News Bulletin November 19th, 2020 

Province of Manitoba COVID News Bulletin #258 (Nov 19/20)

New Public Health Order (effective Nov 20/20) 

Essential Items for Retail Sale 

Schedule of Essential Business 

Province of Manitoba AskHealth - Businesses that have questions about their products are strongly encouraged to use this link to ask questions.

Manitoba Bridge Grant - Eligible Business & Non Profits can receive $5000 in funding.

It is strongly encouraged that any businesses needing further clarification on any rules or any assistance contact EDM Liza Park and she will work with you to find the answers.
virdenedm@mymts.net
(204) 748-2440

Stay Safe Virden! We are in this together!

Manitoba Shifts to Code Red Thursday, November 12th, 2020

Effective Thursday, November 12th, 2020 the following Town of Virden owned facilities will be closed to the public:

Province of Manitoba: All of Manitoba Moves to Critical (RED) Thursday, November 12th, 2020

Province of Manitoba: November 12th, 2020 Code RED Backgrounder

Code Red

Effective Monday, February 8th, 2021 the Town of Virden Office will be re-opened to the public with limited capacity.

Payments are still encouraged to be made by the following methods:

  • Internet Banking
  • Telephone Banking
  • E-Transfer 
  • Mail
  • The Drop Slot in the Front Doors of the Town Office

Alternate & Online Banking Payments Information

Effective Thursday, November 12th, 2020 the following Town of Virden owned facilities will be closed to the public:

Payments

We are encouraging payments of your utility and property tax bills to be made via Online, Telephone, E-Transfer, or through our Drop Box located at the main doors of our office on 236 Wellington Street West. Online Banking payments can be made by adding the Town of Virden as a payee. 

E-Transfer to: virden_acct@mymts.net – Security Question: Favourite Colour - Answer: Blue

Utility Bills

Please make sure to include the Account Number, found on the bottom portion of your bill, when setting up.

  • Scotiabank:  VIRDEN WATER
  • RBC:  VIRDEN, MAN. TOWN OF – WATER
  • CIBC:  VIRDEN WATER
  • Sunrise Credit Union:   VIRDEN, TOWN - UTILI

Property Tax Bills

Please make sure to include the Roll Number, found in the top right-hand portion of your bill, when setting up. 

  • Scotiabank:  VIRDEN TAXES
  • RBC:  VIRDEN, MAN. TOWN OF – TAXES
  • CIBC:  VIRDEN (TOWN OF) TAX
  • Sunrise Credit Union:   VIRDEN, TOWN - PROPE

Westman Emergency Group

COVID-19 Message from Westman Emergency Group

Do Not Flush

Please note that the following items do not break down in water and could compromise the Town sewer system:

  • Wipes 
  • Paper Towel
  • Sanitary Products
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Cleaning Rags 

We ask that residents refrain from flushing these items, even if labelled flushable, to help keep our sewer system working.

Tundra Oil & Gas Place Walking Track

The Walking Track at Tundra Oil & Gas Place is now open Monday - Friday from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sanitization required upon entry
  • Masks must be worn at all times
  • Social distancing (2 metres) required
  • Maximum of 45 minutes at a time
  • No more than 30 people at one time

Vaccine Clinic Postponed

Due to delays in the delivery of the Moderna vaccine to the Province, the Virden Clinic scheduled for April 13th, 2021 is postponed.
Those affected will be contacted by the Province. The clinic will be rescheduled based on vaccine deliveries. 
For more information, please call 1-866-626-4862 or visit news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=51077&posted=2021-04-05

Information & Resource Links

Important information relating to Covid-19 will be updated regularly

For the most up to date from the most relevant resources:

Province of Manitoba Bridge Grant for Business

Province of Manitoba Resources & Links

Province of Manitoba Support Programs for Individuals & Businesses

Government of Canada COVID-19 Benefits & Services

Manitoba Chamber of Commerce - COVID-19 Tools & Resources

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Businesses

Restoring Safe Services Together: Manitoba's Phased Approach

Business Toolkit for Safe Return to Work

Code RED

Province of Manitoba News Bulletin November 19th, 2020

Province of Manitoba COVID News Bulletin #258 (Nov 19/20)

New Public Health Order (effective Nov 20/20)

Essential Items for Retail Sale

Schedule of Essential Business 

AskHealth Province of Manitoba  - Businesses that have questions about their products are strongly encouraged to use this link to ask questions.

Business Support

Please visit the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce website for the most relevant and factual information relating to COVID-19 and the impact for Employers and Employees:
mbchamber.mb.ca

If any business requires assistance during this time please contact:

Economic Development Manager
Liza Park
(204) 748-2440
virdenedm@mymts.net 

Hospitality Relief Sector Program 

Manitoba Government Launches New Support Program for Hospitality Industry Impacted by COVID-19 Restrictions

The Manitoba government is investing $8 million for the creation of a new Hospitality Relief Sector Program to provide financial relief to Manitoba’s accommodation and tourism sector.

The new Hospitality Relief Sector Program, to be administered by the Manitoba Hotel Association and the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, will provide funding to hotels and full-time licenced resource tourism operators for fixed costs that have not been covered by other relief programs such as:

  • Property insurance,
  • Mortgage interest,
  • Property taxes,
  • Land leases,
  • Service fees,
  • Maintenance of camps, and
  • Resource retention costs.

Grants will be provided as a reimbursement for a percentage of eligible expenses incurred. 

More information on the Hospitality Relief Sector Program and how to apply will be available for eligible applicants shortly.

Manitoba Lodges & Outfitters Association

Hospitality Sector Relief Program

On March 16th, the Provincial Government announced the Hospitality Sector Relief Program. The new program, to be administered by the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA) and the Manitoba Hotel Association will provide funding to full-time licensed resource tourism operators and hotels for fixed costs that have not been covered by other relief programs.

The amount of funding directed to the resource-based tourism industry is $2 million and will provide a much-needed lifeline for the Lodges and Outfitters of Manitoba.

Hospitality Sector Relief Program (HSRP) Launch:

MLOA is excited to announce that application for the relief program will go live on Monday, May 03, 2021, at 12:00 PM (Noon) CDT.

The HSRP application portal will close on Monday, May 31, 2021, at 3:00 PM CDT.

Eligibility:

HSRP funding is open to all resource tourism operators in Manitoba that can show:

  • A reduction of 30% in gross revenue from 2019 to 2020
    • The fiscal years may be calculated either by calendar year (January – December) or the Government fiscal year (April – March). Whichever is chosen must be used for all calculations.
  • They possess a valid Resource Tourism Operator (RTO)License and permit for 2020. (Accommodations are not required to have a valid RTO license/permit as per regulations).
  • They are a full-time operation with at least $50,000 gross revenue in the 2019 fiscal year.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Property Tax (Location of lodge and/or outcamps where lodge/outfitting/accommodation business is being conducted)
  • Resource Tourism Operator License Fees
  • Resource Tourism Operator Permit
  • Crown Land Fees
  • Insurance
  • MPI/Equipment Insurance
  • Annual Government Service Fees
  • Maintenance of Outcamps ($250 each)
  • Private Land Leases (10%) Declaration form must be filled out and submitted separately
  • Resource Retention (10%)

Maximum Assistance Per Operator:

The maximum financial assistance for an eligible operator is $30,000 and is calculated based on 2019 gross income levels.

For more information about the Hospitality Sector Relief Program, as well as links to the application portal and much more visit www.mloa.com or email MLOAReliefFunding@mloa.com.

Dine-in Restaurant Relief Program

Dine-in Restaurant Relief Program Application

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association, has opened the online application process for a new COVID-19 emergency support fund for businesses, the Dine-in Restaurant Relief Program.

Through a $5-million grant from the Province of Manitoba announced on Dec. 22/2020, we will be able to deliver much-needed financial relief to dine-in restaurants directly affected by the Critical (red) level restrictions of the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

The program is designed to provide a rebate to dine-in restaurants across Manitoba that have had to significantly shift operations to a delivery model as a result of moving to Critical (red) and subsequent public health orders. The rebate will help offset additional costs of this operations shift related to food delivery services, whether a restaurant provides its own delivery service or uses a third-party delivery company.

The online application process began on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at noon CST.

Two-Step Application Process:

  1. The applicant completes initial online application which is then vetted to determine if they are eligible for the program.
  2. If eligible applicant asked to upload monthly delivery invoices via the online portal for reimbursement which is vetted again.

If approved, applicant would receive reimbursement by Electronic Funds Transfer.

Applications can be made monthly for November (retroactive to when the community went into Critical (Red) on the RestartMB Pandemic Response System), December and January.

April 16th, 2021 Update

The Manitoba government has announced an additional $2 million to expand the Dine-in Restaurant Relief Program, administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

Under this expanded program, restaurants in rural Manitoba and catering businesses that did not have established delivery models or that experienced significant revenue declines will be able to apply for a financial rebate based on their decline in revenue compared to pre-pandemic sales.

Province Announces Additional $2 Million for Dine-In Restaurant Relief Program

Community Futures Westman E-Commerce Support Program

Community Futures Westman is accepting applications from Business to obtain a FREE E-Commerce Shopify website design with Leech Printing.

Get online and selling quickly with a Shopify™ storefront.
The retail landscape has changed. We will help you adapt. We will get your small business online and help you navigate the world of E-Commerce with expert advice and guidance. Community Futures Westman in partnership with Leech Printing have the solution. Community Futures Westman is giving the opportunity for businesses to apply to receive a free E-Commerce package from Leech Printing. 

For more information about this program please click here. If you have questions about the program or application please do not hesitate to contact EDM Liza Park.

Province of Manitoba Bridge Grant for Business

Province of Manitoba Bridge Grant for Business 

Province Increases Protection for Small Businesses Through Manitoba Bridge Grant

Support Programs for Business Continue to evolve. Business owners should check specific intake portals for details or reach out if they feel they should qualify.

Manitoba Bridge Grant

*Application Deadline Extended to March 31st, 2021*

Beginning January 8, 2021, the Manitoba Government will begin issuing a second payment to eligible applicants that applied for a Bridge Grant during the period of November 16 - December 31, 2020. 

  • Bridge Grant recipients will receive a payment in the amount of $5,000 whereas Bridge Grant for Home-Based Businesses recipients will receive a payment equal to their 2020 payment to a maximum of $5,000. 
  • Payments will be issued without any action on the part of the applicant and will be deposited to the same bank account provided in the initial application.
  • Recipients will receive email confirmation once the transaction has been processed.  Please allow up to 48 hours following notification for the funds to be deposited into your bank account. 
  • Applications submitted before closure of the application window that are currently in the adjudication phase will be eligible for the second payment if their application is approved.   
  • This payment is considered taxable business income.  
  • If you would like to opt-out of the program, repay the funds, or if a payment has been made to you in error, please see the FAQs below.

Beginning Jan. 12, new applicants to the Manitoba Bridge Grant that were ordered to close their premises will be entitled to a one-time payment of $10,000, whereas eligible home-based business applicants will receive a maximum payment of $10,000.  

Please allow up to five business days for the process to be completed.  If you have not received your second payment by January 15, 2021, please contact the Manitoba Bridge Grant administration office.  Contact information, along with your Application Confirmation number, is located on the approval email that accompanied your 2020 payment.

Canadian Emergency Business Account 

Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

CEBA requirements and deadlines have changed:

  • As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.
  • Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.
  • All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for a $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.
  • All applicants can now check the status of their CEBA Loan online at status-statut.ceba-cuec.ca. Please wait 5 to 7 business days after finalizing your application before checking your loan status on this loan status website or with the call centre. If you try before the 5 to 7 business days you will not receive an update. The loan status website will be able to address the following types of questions:
  • What is the status of my application?
  • Why was my application declined? How can I fix those errors (if applicable)?

All applicants are encouraged to check the status of their CEBA Loan online at status-statut.ceba-cuec.ca, but if you continue to have questions you may call the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM Eastern Standard Time, excluding statutory holidays. 

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

Details of CEWS claim periods 11 to 13 were finalized January 6. Find out what the changes are.

Applications for claim period 10 (November 22, 2020, to December 19, 2020) are now open.

As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages, retroactive to March 15. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.

This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.

If you are eligible for the base subsidy, you may also be eligible for lockdown support if your business location is significantly affected by a public health order for a week or more.

Community Futures Manitoba - RRRF 

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund – Community Futures Stream

This $962-million Government of Canada fund is to support small and medium-size businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These businesses can now apply for loans of up to $40,000 through RRRF.

As the financing terms of RRRF and Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) are similar, rural businesses can choose which program to apply for funding.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) located in non-metropolitan regions (all areas served by Community Futures organizations) in Western Canada.
  • SMEs must attest they have not received duplicative supports through other federal or provincial government COVID-19 support programming such as the Canada Emergency Business Account.
  • The small business must have been viable and not experiencing any liquidity or other financial difficulties as of March 1, 2020.
  • The small business must have experienced a material adverse effect on business operations on or after March 1, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Business established before March 1, 2020.
  • Be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, social enterprise, or other similar organization.

Eligible Costs

  • Lease payments for existing equipment and machinery
  • Salaries and benefits (will only be considered for support if the business has not received support under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Property taxes
  • Utilities
  • Bank charges and interest payments
  • Office supplies
  • Vehicle operating expenses
  • Professional fees
  • Monthly insurance payments
  • Rent (applicants are expected to pursue with their landlord access to the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses)
  • Other fixed operating costs applicable to the applicant

Repayment Terms

  • No interest accrual or principal payments through December 31, 2022
  • If 75% of the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, the remainder of the loan is forgiven
  • Blended principal and interest payments beginning January 1, 2023, and loans must be repaid by December 31, 2025
  • No prepayment penalties

Business Impact Survey

The Town of Virden wants to understand the concerns among the local business community. This information will allow the Town of Virden to keep the broader business community updated and benefit from the collective knowledge. In addition, the feedback from Business will strengthen our ability to advocate on behalf of the Town with government decision-makers. 

In addition to this survey, a Managing Business Through COVID Form was created to allow Businesses to submit information regarding changes to hours, doing business differently, and communication. This will be compiled and shared through our website and social media channels.

We recognize that our business email directory may not include all business emails. If you did not receive an email please feel free to complete the survey and information form below and your email will be added to our directory going forward. If there are any changes to the email address we have on file please email Economic Development Manager,  Liza Park at virdenedm@mymts.net to update any information.

Covid-19 Business Impact Survey

Managing Business Through COVID

Free Webinar for Businesses

The spread of COVID-19 poses important challenges to Canadian businesses. With the situation constantly evolving, you need to be prepared for any disruptions. Join BDC experts as they share short-term economic perspectives and advice on how to manage through the crisis. 

How to Cope With the Impacts of COVID-19 on Your Business

Information & Resource Links

Important information relating to COVID-19 will be updated regularly

For the most up to date from the most relevant resources:

Code RED - November 20th, 2020 Public Health Order

Code RED - November 19th Province of Manitoba News Bulletin

November 12th, 2020 - Move to Code Red

Manitoba Shared Health COVID-19 Resource Tool 

Manitoba COVID-19 Updates 

Public Health Agency of Canada - COVID-19

The World Health Organization - COVID-19

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Individuals

Province of Manitoba Information for Individuals

Restoring Safe Services Together: Manitoba's Phased Approach

Government of Canada COVID-19 Benefits & Services

Province of Manitoba Support Programs for Individuals & Businesses 

Province of Manitoba Resources & Links

Code RED

The Province of Manitoba announced new restrictions within the Public Health Order, effective November 20th, 2020.

For a complete list of relevant information from today, November 19th News Conference please see a list of links below:

November 19th Province of Manitoba News Bulletin

Province of Manitoba COVID News Bulletin #258 (Nov 19/20)

November 20th, 2020 Public Health Order

Essential Items for Retail Sale 

Schedule of Essential Business

To ask a question to the Province of Manitoba

Help Next Door

Help Next Door MB is a platform that connects Manitoba residents who are unable to leave their homes and require items such as groceries, medication, emergency snow clearing, etc. with a volunteer to perform these necessary tasks.

Please Visit: helpnextdoormb.ca

Please exercise good and safe judgment, be cautious, and use this tool at your own risk.

Health & Crisis Information

Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Click here to view information from Service Canada about CERB

Click here for information about applying for CERB

Students

Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)

Support for Students and Recent Graduates Impacted by COVID-19

Manitoba Risk Recognition Program

Click here for information about the Manitoba Risk Recognition Program