Brandon Police Service's Tactical Response Unit was seen operating in the area of the 300 block of Maryland Ave late Friday afternoon. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Maryland Ave between 1st St. and the 400 block of Maryland Ave was completely shut down, as the Tactical Response Unit appeared to be operating in the area of Cornell Bay and Maryland Ave. Brandon Police Service released this statement on their social medias: "We would like to ask the public to avoid the area of the 300 block of Maryland Ave while our members conduct an investigation. We are unable to provide further information at this time." This message was followed by an "all clear" about 2 hours later. It is unclear the specifics of the police situation at this time.

A local business, Expressions Entertainment is organizing a food drive for this Saturday (March 21) to help those in need in the city. Project: Fill the Trailer for COVID-19) will see donations go to Samaritan House, Helping Hands and The Women’s Resource Centre. The company is looking to fill a trailer with a number of items and they have graciously set time aside on Saturday the 21st to pickup the items from your house/place of business. Among the items most in need are meals in cans, instant oatmeal, breads & jams, soups, pasta, canned veggies, and canned meats. They will also be collecting additional items like baby formula, diapers and female hygiene products. Those individuals or businesses looking at making a donation can private message Expressions Entertainment on their Facebook Page to make pick-up arrangements. Alternatively, you can drop off items at their house by messaging them for address information as well.

The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has been in uncharted water over the past week. As a direct result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to cancel our flagship event, the 113th Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. This was to be a celebration of the 50th year since Queen Elizabeth bestowed the Royal Designation. In response to the rapidly changing circumstances we have taken the unprecedented step of laying off 80% of our staff and temporarily closing our offices. This is both a fiscally and socially responsible action to protect the health in our community. As an organization, part of our mission is to provide education, entertainment, community pride and economic enhancement to our region. When this crisis is behind us, we will open our doors and continue to provide quality entertainment, education and financial input for our community. Let’s hope for a quick resolution to this situation. And when that time comes, we can come out of isolation and come together for a community celebration! Stay healthy and Thank you for your continued support, we will see you soon! (Source: Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Release)

Brandon Police Service patrol members and Tactical Response Unit members were operating in the 600 block of 16th St on Wednesday afternoon. Officers were seen in tactical gear, as well as utilizing the city's Armoured Rescue Vehicle (ARV). It is unknown what the cause of the incident was, but officers cleared the area at around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. Brandon Police Service released this statement on their social medias: "We would like to ask the public to avoid the area of the 600 block 16th street while our members conduct an investigation. We are unable to provide further information at this time."

Earlier today the province shared information that a dedicated testing site for COVID-19 will open Wednesday in Brandon. The clinic will be open 7 days a week (8 a.m. to 4 p.m) in the Nurses Residence Gymnasium at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. This will mark the province's 8th testing site joining Winnipeg (4-locations), Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas. From today's Media Bulletin. "These testing sites are by referral only and are not walk-in clinics. Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 before arriving at a testing site." The total number of lab-confirmed positive and presumptive positive cases in Manitoba reached fifteen today as public health officials say seven new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the province. Of the seven new cases announced, five were listed as being from Winnipeg and two from a community in the Southern Health Santé-Sud Health region.