Main content of the website

  1. Home
  2. Business & Development
  3. Economic Development
  4. COVID-19
  • font:A
  • A
  • A

COVID-19

Province of Manitoba: COVID-19

Code RED - November 20th, 2020 Public Health Order

Code RED - November 19th Province of Manitoba News Bulletin

Code RED - November 12th, 2020

Code RED Backgrounder - November 12th, 2020

Restoring Safe Services Together: Manitoba's Phased Approach

Business Toolkit for Safe Return to Work 

Province of Manitoba Regulations & Updates

Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

New Orders Protect Manitobans Against Third Wave - Click Here

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, whichever is lower and malls will be limited to 33 percent of the facility’s capacity.

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021

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 percent 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.

Saturday, March 13th, 2021

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

The following changes to the current public health order are in effect as of Saturday, March 13 at 12:01 a.m.:

  • Amending mask-use rules in churches to allow masks not to be used while household groups are seated at a service, are appropriately distanced from other groups and are not singing; and
  • Allowing outdoor dining on patios at restaurants and licensed premises for groups of up to six people from different households.

Friday, March 5th, 2021

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

The following changes will go into effect March 5 at 12:01 a.m. and will expire on March 25:

Households and Gatherings

  • Households can choose one of the following:
    • Continue designating two visitors to their home; or
    • Designating a second household so that two households can visit each other, as long as everyone in the house has authorized those designated individuals to visit.
      • gathering limits at an outdoor public or private place to increase to 10 people including for outdoor non-organized sport or recreation activities; and
      • places of worship to have increased capacity size of 25 percent or 100 people, whichever is lower, with physical distancing measures in place and mask requirements.

Business, Retail, and Restaurants

  • Any types of business to be able to operate with the exception of indoor theatres, indoor concert halls, casinos and bingo halls;
  • Retail stores, malls and personal services to have increased capacity limits of up to 50 percent or 250 people, whichever is lower, with other public health measures still in effect;
  • Restaurants and licensed premises to have increased capacity limits of up to 50 percent, with the requirement for tables to sit with only household members, and other public health measures still in effect;
  • Businesses other than casinos to resume operating video lottery terminals, with physical distancing measures and barriers in place; and
  • Professional theatre groups, dance companies, symphonies and operas to resume rehearsals that are not accessible to members of the public.

Recreation and Fitness

  • Day camps for children to operate at 25 percent capacity with other public health measures in place;
  • Indoor recreation and sporting facilities such as gyms, fitness centres, rinks, courts, fields, ranges, studios, clubs, pools and centres to open at 25 percent total capacity, with public health measures in place including for spectators, common areas and locker rooms. The requirement to provide one-on-one instructions has been removed;
  • Gym, fitness centre and pool users must continue to wear a mask while working out and in all other areas of the facility, with the exception of while in a swimming pool;
  • Dance, theatre and music facilities to open for a total capacity of 25 percent;
  • Indoor recreational facilities such as arcades, go-kart tracks and children’s facilities to open at 25 percent capacity with physical distancing measures in place.

Friday, February 12th, 2021

New Public Health Orders Formalize Next Steps of Province's Cautious Reopening - 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 include the following changes, with further pandemic safety measures in place:

  • allowing restaurants and licensed premises to reopen at 25 percent 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 percent capacity;
  • allowing indoor sporting facilities such as rinks, gymnastic clubs and martial arts studios to reopen at 25 percent capacity for individual instruction only;
  • allowing places of worship to hold regular religious services if a service does not exceed 10 percent 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 percent capacity of the premise where meetings take place;
  • allowing museums, art galleries and libraries to operate at 25 percent capacity;
  • allowing personal service businesses, such as those providing pedicures, electrolysis, cosmetic application, tanning, tattooing or massage services to reopen at 25 percent 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.

Friday, January 29th, 2021

Changes to Provincial Public Health Orders - Click Here

The public health orders will be amended on Jan. 29 to specify that anyone entering Manitoba from anywhere in Canada will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. This includes those entering from northern and Western Canada, and from west of Terrace Bay in Ontario, which under previous health orders did not require self-isolation. 

Current exemptions to self-isolation measures are still in effect including those travelling for essential interprovincial work and people travelling for medical purposes. There will also continue to be exemptions for people who regularly travel to and from communities near the borders for essential purposes.

Saturday, January 23rd, 2021

Modest Changes to Provincial Public Health Orders - Click Here

Previous restrictions in the orders will remain, with the following changes in effect beginning Jan. 23 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 percent 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
    • barbershops and hairstylists to reopen at 25 percent capacity with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes. 

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 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:

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.

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