Brandon University will require faculty, staff, and students to provide either proof of full vaccination or proof of a recent negative Covid test before they are able to come to campus. Full vaccination will be required no later than Oct. 31, a date that permits members of our community to receive their first dose at our on-campus vaccination clinics Sept. 7–9. First dose requirements and/or proof of negative Covid test results will be phased in earlier. This is an interim administrative decision made in the interests of providing some clarity and fairness to students and faculty, as well as offering the safest possible educational experience for the Fall Term. Many students, as well as some faculty, will already be required to prove full vaccination or to undergo repeated testing as a result of Tuesday’s announcement of provincial vaccine requirements. We have heard from members of our university community who are on both sides of this issue and we thank all of those who have shared their input with us; we continue important dialogue with employee, faculty, and student groups, as well as our Board of Governors, and will ensure that our final policy is reflective of this dialogue. We are also continuing to work with Shared Health and with provincial public health authorities to establish testing parameters and access to testing resources. Many questions remain, and we will continue to consult with our community as we draft our full vaccine policy, which will be completed as soon as possible. The policy is expected to answer important questions around privacy, verification, applicability to campus visitors, as well as costs and access to rapid testing or other alternatives for the very small number of people who cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccine. The Fall Term at BU will also include a strict mask mandate, as well as very limited class sizes, physical distancing, and enhanced sanitization and ventilation that together with vaccination provide multiple layers of protection. The vaccines are safe and effective — we encourage everyone to get vaccinated at their earliest opportunity. Full vaccination dramatically reduces your chances of becoming ill, nearly eliminates your likelihood of being hospitalized or dying, and also reduces your chances of passing on the virus to anyone else. The more people who are fully vaccinated, the more we protect our entire community from the effects of Covid. Brandon University is also offering fully vaccinated students, faculty, and staff a chance at more than $10,000 in prizes, including tuition credits and more, through the Winning Shot initiative. In line with the new vaccine requirements, the deadline for entering the Winning Shot has been moved to Oct. 31 — and new weekly prizes will now be drawn. (Brandon University News Release)

Brandon Transit is excited to announce that all Conventional Transit and Brandon Access Transit buses now have an Active Air Purification system installed in the entire fleet. Active Air Purification technology eliminates more than 99% of bacteria, mold and viruses that may be travelling inside closed spaces. With this technology added to the already rigorous cleaning procedures, including having all buses cleaned and disinfected each morning, Brandon Transit is proving to be one of the best ways to travel to work, home, or your favorite shopping centre. Active Air utilizes safe levels of naturally occurring hydroperoxides, increases air quality, and is safe for all passengers. Active Air Purification is installed through the HVAC system to ensure the best air quality possible. To learn more about how Active Air Purification works, check out this video. Brandon Transit provides excellent service to all residents of Brandon. By taking transit, riders can quickly and easily get to their location, have a safe commute, and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. To learn more about Brandon Transit, visit brandontransit.ca. (City of Brandon PSA)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Brandon Police Service is investigating the severe Assault and Robbery of an elderly female in the Highland Trailer Court on August 14, 2021. Investigators are requesting that anybody who resides in the area of Highland and Glendale Trailer Courts with security video available from August 14 between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM contact Police at 204-729-2345. Additionally, if anybody in these areas has been approached by a suspicious individual offering to do yard work, or has experienced a recent Theft or Break & Enter that has not yet been reported, please contact Police.

Manitoba Possible has launched an online process for the provincial accessible parking permit program. -        The Parking Permit Program, administered by Manitoba on behalf of Manitoba Infrastructure, has launched a new, online process for applying and renewing the permits that allow Manitobans to park in accessible spots around the province. -        Manitobans who have difficulty walking more than 50 metres without the use of a mobility aid are eligible for the program (For full eligibility requirements, please visit manitobapossible.ca/parking-permits) -        The application process will connect applicants, their healthcare practitioner, and Manitoba Possible in a secure, verified digital process, and -        For the first time, applicants will be able to apply and pay for applications, renewals, and replacements online. “Manitoba Possible is thrilled to be keeping up with the times and launching a simplified way for Manitobans and healthcare providers to be able to apply and renew accessible parking permits online.  This will be a simple and efficient process that will eliminate the need to drive to our office to renew or apply for a permit if one chooses so.” Director, Provincial Services (Adults), Monique Constant, shared. Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Ron Shuler shared, “The Parking Permit Program helps many Manitobans every year and will now be more accessible thanks to the easy-to-use innovative online system developed by Manitoba Possible,” said Schuler. “And a reminder to all motorists that you must respect the designated parking areas set aside for permit holders.” Manitobans interested in learning more about the accessible Parking Permit Program, eligibility and the newly launched online process can visit manitobapossible.ca/parking-permits. Manitobans who may need assistance or accommodations may contact the Parking Permit Program at: 1857 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 3E7 Phone: (204) 975-3257 Toll-Free (Canada/US): 1-800-836-5551   Fax: (204) 975-3240 pppinfo@manitobapossible.ca

New, expanded and renovated health-care facilities will support improved access and better care for all Manitobans with investment in communities across the province, thanks to the largest capital health commitment in the province’s history, Premier Brian Pallister and Lanette Siragusa, Manitoba’s chief nursing officer, and Shared Health’s provincial lead of health system integration and quality, announced today. “Better health care for all Manitobans, with reduced wait times and improved access with more services closer to home, requires a bold vision and action plan for a stronger, more prosperous province,” said Pallister. “Together, we are planning for that future – for our children and our grandchildren – by listening to our public health-care leaders and the ideas of our doctors, nurses and other health professionals, and investing in solutions that are made-in-Manitoba for Manitobans.” Today’s announcement includes a provincial capital investment of an estimated $812 million for approximately 38 projects, including new facilities, as well as renovations and expansions to existing infrastructure. Together, these projects will form the foundation of Manitoba’s new Provincial Clinical Network, a system of health services that will improve access and enhance the quality and reliability of care while reducing provincial wait times. The clinical network will also reduce the need for many Manitobans to travel long distances for care by providing more services in a community closer to home. These investments have been identified as part of Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan, Pallister added. Released in November 2019, the plan was developed and led by clinical leaders and health system experts from across the province. Detailed planning has looked at population growth and community health needs, distance to specialized 24/7 health services, and the stability and reliability of the province’s health workforce. “This is an investment in the equipment, buildings, technology and health-care professionals that will improve outcomes and better support the needs of all Manitobans,” said Siragusa. “In emergencies, it’s going to mean reliable access to care with hospital-based and emergency response services that can be counted on when you need them. For rural and northern communities, it’s going to mean greater access to health services locally, with increased in-home care and other supports that will reduce the need for travel and support Manitobans at home, or in the community, for longer.” Today’s announcement includes nearly $70 million to enhance health services in Brandon, establishing the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) as a centralized hub of specialized services for western Manitoba. The investment includes funds both for the expansion and renovation of clinical spaces within the health centre and for enhanced cancer services at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre. The addition and renovations at the BRHC will include: • approximately 30 new medicine beds, • a new intensive care unit with additional staffed adult beds to meet the increasing demands of the health region and the province, and • a renovated and expanded neonatal intensive care unit. “Today’s announcement is the next step for Brandon Regional Health Centre’s exciting future role as the province’s hub for specialized services in Western Manitoba, said Brian Schoonbaert, chief executive officer, Prairie Mountain Health. “The enhancements to BRHC’s intensive care unit, the neonatal intensive care unit and the new medicine beds will provide the necessary infrastructure and supports to continue to provide exceptional care to our clients, patients and residents.” The expanded and renovated Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will serve as a regional cancer hub, providing enhanced cancer services for patients from across western Manitoba. The project will include: • an anticipated 7,000-sq.-ft. expansion as well as renovation of existing space including additional exam rooms and treatment spaces; and • a new medical linear accelerator (LINAC), commonly used for delivering external beam radiation treatments to patients with cancer. ”With the steady rise in cancer incidence, and with more treatment options for cancer, expanding our ability to deliver quality care closer to home in western Manitoba will be of benefit to patients,” said Dr. Piotr Czaykowski, chief medical officer, CancerCare Manitoba. Construction on the Brandon projects is expected to begin next year and be complete by the summer of 2025, the premier said, adding details on additional projects will be announced over the next several months. Today’s announcement also builds on other major infrastructure investments at health facilities throughout the province in recent years, including construction of the Selkirk Regional Health Centre and new emergency departments in Flin Flon and Dauphin and at Winnipeg’s Grace and St. Boniface hospitals. For more information on Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/wp-content/uploads/CPSP_Overview_NL.pdf. (Province of MB News Release)