MKO is sharing important information from Manitoba public health orders that pertain to travelling to Northern Manitoba.

Effective March 19, 2021, public health officials strongly recommend that COVID-19 testing occur:

  • Before travel to First Nations and Indigenous and Northern Relations communities; and
  • Before someone returns to a community if a resident has been away for more than 48 hours

Testing should NOT be done in individuals with a previous lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the past three months.

Testing is recommended for individuals who have received one or two doses of vaccine.

Individuals without symptoms of COVID-19 travelling to, or returning to, a First Nations or Indigenous and Northern Relations community can seek testing within three days of travel at no cost at the following locations. For hours and appointment information, visit the COVID-19 testing site.

  • Winnipeg:
    • Garry Centre – 330 Garry St.
    • Thunderbird House – 715 Main St.
    • Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre – 445 King St.
    • MPI Drive-Thru Testing site – 125 King Edward St.
  • Thompson: Plaza Mall
  • The Pas: 328 Fischer Ave.

If they have no symptoms, individuals seeking testing prior to travel, or return to, a First Nations or Indigenous and Northern Relations community do NOT need to self-isolate (quarantine) while waiting for their test result. However, they are encouraged to continue self-monitoring for symptoms, using the online screening tool, for 14 days after arriving in community.

Even if an individual receives a negative test result, they need to continue to follow all public health measures including:

  • limiting non-household close contacts;
  • wearing masks in indoor public places;
  • following physical distancing measures; and
  • practicing frequent hand hygiene.

If individuals develop symptoms after receiving negative test results, they need to immediately self-isolate and be re-tested.