This was a memo written to the MKO Chiefs on May 7, 2020. To view this as a PDF, please click here.
Memo
Date: May 7, 2020
To: MKO Chiefs, Councils, Health Directors
From: Grand Chief Garrison Settee
Subject: Update on Public Health Orders Issued by Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer
On May 6, 2020, Dr. Brett Roussin, Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer attended the MKO Executive Council meeting to provide an update on the current public health orders and the subsequent effect in our MKO First Nations. He has agreed to remain in contact with the MKO Executive Council to provide further information as requested. Dr. Roussin has signaled that he will also make himself available to provide updates to the four Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership First Nations on their concerns related to workers entering the Keeyask worksite.
As the province begins to gradually reopen the economy and essential businesses, Dr. Roussin shared that Northern First Nations should continue to exercise caution. There is a balancing act between reopening the economy and protecting susceptible communities. He reminded leadership that “no diagnosed cases” is not the same as “no actual cases” in Northern communities.
On the issue of restricting travel between Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Dr. Roussin maintained that there are no travel restrictions yet, and that travelers should self-isolate for 14 days. MKO will monitor the rising rates of COVID-19 in Northern Saskatchewan and engage with Dr. Roussin as the situation changes.
Background:
The Manitoba government declared a province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act on March 20, 2020, to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans and to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The province publishes each public health order online at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/soe.html
At present there are four active public health orders issued by the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer. Each order remains in effect until terminated by Dr. Roussin. Clicking the orders will open a downloadable copy of order in a new window.
- Orders under section 67 of the Public Health Act, enacted on May 6
- Order Prohibiting Travel to Northern Manitoba and Remote Communities, enacted on May 1
- Self-Isolation Order for Persons Entering Manitoba, enacted on May 1
- Public Health Orders Restricting Staff Movement at Personal Care Homes, enacted on May 1