Manitoba hospitals and health centres will be restoring visitor access for patients as part of Manitoba’s Phase Two reopening, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. The gradual easing of visitor restrictions will restore the ability for patients and their loved ones to visit while measures to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 within Manitoba’s hospitals remain in place. “Connecting with family members, loved ones and support systems are an important part of the healing process for someone in the hospital. During the peak of the pandemic, in-person visits had to be limited as we took every necessary step to prevent the spread of this virus,” said Friesen. “With the co-operation of Manitobans, our COVID-19 response has been successful and we are now pleased to be in a position to allow in-person visits to occur.” This expanded visitor access follows the successful introduction of outdoor visits at Manitoba’s personal care homes last week, the minister noted, adding Manitoba’s hospitals and health centres have also been tasked with finding ways to accommodate outdoor visits following the trial earlier this week at Victoria General Hospital. All visitors must comply with infection prevention and control measures, which includes strict hand hygiene and maintaining physical distancing (six feet/two metres apart) at all times. “We recognize that solitude and separation can have a significant and negative impact on a patient’s health and well-being. Our goal is to find a balance for the longer-term; a balance that will enable visits with loved ones to occur, with all necessary precautions in place,” said Friesen. Friesen indicated the likelihood of COVID-19 being a part of the ‘new normal’ for a longer duration requires finding a longer-term balance between preventative measures and the many benefits of in-person interaction between patients and their loved ones. Most patients will be eligible to identify a single designated support person who may visit daily. Most sites are expected to be up and running between Friday and Monday, the minister noted. Facilities will begin implementation as early as June 5, with all sites expected to welcome designated support people as visitors by the week of June 8. For current information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, such as steps people can take to reduce their risk and workplace guidance for businesses, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19. A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at: https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html. (Province of MB News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On Tuesday morning, police received a report of a theft from a vehicle in the 1300 block of 1st St.  A set of golf clubs and an Apple device were stolen from the vehicle. In the afternoon, the owner of the vehicle had contact with someone using the Apple device, stating they could have their property back if they paid $500, and they were warned not to involve the police.  Officers did get involved and the property was recovered.  A 24-year-old male has been arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime, extortion as well as 3 counts of breaching release order.  The male will appear for a bail hearing this morning.

Brandon University’s Fall Term will see instruction that is mostly delivered online, as we continue to take precautions to ensure the health and safety of our whole community. While Covid-19 trends in Manitoba look promising, BU is taking a cautious and prudent approach that is in line with provincial phased reopening plans. We will limit in-person instruction to where it is necessary, and avoid potential mid-term disruption from any resurgence of infection or second wave of cases.   Planning now for a mostly online Fall Term gives certainty to students, faculty and staff, and allows for the best possible learning experience to be developed. An online term also brings parity to students who cannot travel to Brandon, for those with continuing responsibilities at home, and for those with health considerations. A limited number of classes, labs, studios, or practicums may need to be held in-person. These exceptions, when known, will be posted in the online registration guide. Much work remains to be done to plan for the Fall, and the university has created several administrative and academic working groups to develop recommendations, in consultation with representatives from all areas of campus, for Senate and the President’s Administrative Council. Detailed plans for the Fall Term will continue to be developed through June and will be shared in early July. Faculty should begin discussions with their chairs and deans about their course plans, and the resources they will need. Faculty and staff have shown tremendous resilience and creativity over the past few months, as have students, as we responded together to the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. We know this is a challenging time and are committed to supporting you in the months to come. The university campus remains open for faculty and staff, as well as for students who have arrangements with their dean to access needed campus facilities. Phase Two reopening includes the possibility for limited in-person instruction over the summer. Employees should continue to work from home, where possible. This fall, we expect most services, including student services like advising and educational library services will continue to be offered largely online. Residence and Food Services we expect to be open, although capacities may be limited. Return of more people to campus will be determined based on public health guidance and campus modifications, and will be communicated as early as possible. As always, our commitment remains providing the highest quality educational experience and the safest environment for all. (Brandon University News)

Brandon, MB – Thanks to additional funding support from the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation by way of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Brandon is pleased to offer its Homebuyer Assistance Program for a third consecutive year. The Homebuyer Assistance Program, developed and administered by the City of Brandon’s Economic Development Department, provides successful applicants with forgivable homebuyer financial assistance.  Under the program, a total of four (4) successful applicants can receive funding equal to a 10% down payment on the purchase of an eligible home and a portion of associated closing costs by way of a 10-year earned forgivable loan, to a maximum of $26,500 per applicant, while sixteen (16) successful applicants can receive funding equal to a 5% down payment on the purchase of an eligible home and a portion of associated closing costs, to a maximum of $14,000 per applicant. All Homebuyer Assistance Program information, including eligibility requirements, application forms and the application process, can be found at http://www.economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/housing-programs. “The Brandon Homebuyers Assistance Program includes comprehensive evaluation criteria and a three-phase approval process to ensure we are putting the funding we’ve been provided to the best use possible,” notes City of Brandon Director of Economic Development Sandy Trudel. “Among the program’s important eligibility criteria are requirements of a total household income that does not exceed $75,592, the family unit must have at least one dependent child, and that the home purchase price cannot exceed $250,000.” Since its launch in the 2018, the program has aided in the transition of 33 successful applicant families to homeownership. “Since the program’s inception, those who have had a hand in its creation and delivery are extremely pleased with its success,” adds Trudel. “Not only has the program been life changing for successful applicants, it has freed up always-in-demand rental units and created positive spin-offs in the local economy by generating business for housing inspectors, realtors, survey companies, lending institutions, solicitors, the construction industry and interpreters.” Applications for the current intake must be received at the Economic Development Brandon office (Main Floor, Brandon City Hall, 410-9th Street, R7A 6A2) by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30th, 2020. For further information or assistance with submitting an application, individuals may phone 204-729-2132 or email econdev@brandon.ca. Additional intake periods will be entirely dependant on available funding. (City of Brandon Media Release)  

On Monday afternoon Brandon Fire & Emergency Services responded to a property just west of 42nd Street for hundreds of hay bales on fire. Strong winds were blowing smoke and embers towards homes in the Waverly area, which was cause for concern for firefighters. At the time of writing, the fire is still ongoing, however it appears that things are more under control than they were before. The property appears to be a dairy farm. It is not clear whether this started as a controlled burn, or an accidental fire.