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COVID-19

Province of Manitoba: COVID-19

Government of Canada: Coronavirus Disease

Friday, September 3rd, 2021

Indoor Mask Requirements, Proof of Vaccination Requirements September 3, 2021

Changes to Public Health Orders September 3, 2021

New Manitoba public health orders have made mask use mandatory at indoor public places and set out the circumstances where proof of vaccination will be required, which will enable businesses, services and events to be held without capacity limits or public health restrictions as of September 3, 2021, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced today. 

These orders come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021, with some exceptions to provide a short grace period for some sectors.

These new orders include reducing the maximum number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings to 500, down from the current limit of 1,500. This will take effect on September 7, 2021, and includes summer fairs and festivals. Fairs and festivals will be allowed to operate above that limit, subject to protocols approved by public health.

Museums and galleries will be allowed to open but will be required to ask for proof of vaccination from visitors to access indoor areas. This will take effect on September 7, 2021.

Wedding receptions held in licensed premises will be subject to the same rules as restaurants and licensed premises, and guests will have to show proof of vaccination. There will be a grace period to September 7, 2021, to allow individuals to adjust their plans. Also on September 7, 2021, food courts will be required to comply with the same rules as restaurants for dine-in patrons and require proof of vaccination if they choose to open for options other than take-out.

As a reminder, the province has developed new requirements for people to show proof of vaccination to participate in certain events and activities. The following changes have been previously announced, and take effect September 3, 2021 for all health regions:

  • 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 business.

Children born after December 31, 2009, who are not eligible to be immunized will be able to attend events and activities with a fully immunized adult.

Saturday, August 28th, 2021

Manitoba Expands Vaccine Passports for Fully Immunized Individuals as of September 3, 2021

August 27, 2021, Public Health Orders

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 Sept. 3, Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon announced today. 

Gordon also announced the new public health order requiring mask use in all indoor public spaces across the province will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 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 Sept. 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.

Children 11 and under who are not eligible to be immunized will be able to attend events and activities with a fully immunized adult.

Masks Required Notice

Effective Monday, August 30th, 2021, masks are required when entering the Town Office. 

Effective Saturday, August 28th, 2021, masks are required when entering Tundra Oil & Gas Place.

For more information regarding the new Public Health Orders, please visit https://bit.ly/3mBKMDd..

For additional information or any questions, please call the Town Office at (204) 748-2440 or email info@virden.ca.

Tundra Oil & Gas Place: Proof of Immunization Required

Please be advised that effective Friday, September 3rd, 2021, anyone visiting the arena, walking track, fitness centre or other recreational programming at Tundra Oil and Gas Place, will be required to show proof of immunization along with government-issued photo identification. 

Individuals that do not show proof of immunization will not be permitted to enter the facility or participate in indoor programming unless they fall under an exemption in the provincial public health orders. 

The Town is still reviewing the latest provincial public health orders to determine if other Town facilities will be impacted. Town staff will be contacting parties who have booked Tundra Oil and Gas Place to discuss this further.

September 3, 2021 Public Health Orders

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: cfo@virden.ca – 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

Alternate & Online Banking Payments Information

Westman Emergency Group

COVID-19 Message from Westman Emergency Group


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

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
edm@virden.ca

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.

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 edm@virden.ca 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:

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

Government of Canada COVID-19 Benefits & Services

Province of Manitoba Support Programs for Individuals & Businesses 

Province of Manitoba Resources & Links

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