Manitoba public health reported 152 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 7.5 percent. 

They also reported three additional deaths all in Winnipeg. Of the new cases 81 are in Northern health, 29 in Winnipeg and 24 in Prairie Mountain with lower numbers in other regions.

An outbreak has been declared at Wapanohk Community School in Thompson which has been moved into the critical or red zone.  

Medical Lead for the Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer noted all residents of licensed personal care homes who chose to be vaccinated for COVID-19 will receive their first dose by the end of the day tomorrow. 

She says they did it in three weeks fully one week ahead of schedule and that is due to the partnership and support they had from all of the teams from the Regional Health Authorities and Personal Care Homes so please accept her huge thank you to everyone who was involved in this incredible effort.

Of the total 29, 280 reported cases, 3, 490 are considered active, 24, 697 individuals have recovered, and 272 are in hospital with 39 in intensive care. 

The Northern Health Region, there are 1, 837 active cases. There are 36 hospitalizations, with five patients in ICU. In the Thompson/Mystery Lake District, there are 98 active cases of COVID-19. The number of deaths in region remains at 28.

On Jan. 27 at approximately 5:20 pm, Thompson RCMP along with the Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant at a residence on Elk Bay, in Thompson.

Officers seized approximately eight pounds of illicit cannabis in various forms (edibles/dried/oils/salve).

A 49-year-old male and a 46-year-old female, were arrested at the residence.

The female was released without charges, and the 49-year-old male is facing charges of Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of selling under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority.

He is scheduled to appear in court on May 28, 2021.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

While the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on acquiring a building for their vision, the Mall of the Arts were able to grow in others ways over the course of 2020.

Andria Stephens, a co-founder of the organization, explains that while getting funding to purchase a building for the arts centre didn’t work out due to the pandemic, they were able to connect with other arts organizations in the province and work on offering virtual programming.

Stephens adds that the online youth theatre workshops the Mall of the arts launched in partnership with the Manitoba Theatre for Young People has been well received.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 for more information on the Mall of the Arts.

On Jan. 25 at approximately 9:30 pm, Thompson RCMP conducted a traffic stop in a parking lot on Cree Road in Thompson. There were three occupants in the vehicle.

Checks were made on the 36-year-old male driver that determined he did not have a valid driver’s licence, therefore he was issued a ticket.

The driver called the registered owner, a 36-year-old female, who attended the scene to drive the vehicle home.  Once she arrived, she provided the officer with her valid driver’s licence. After the officer returned the licence, the female suggested that he use hand sanitizer, as she was COVID-19 positive.

The officer asked why she was not self-isolating, and her response was that she did not want her vehicle to be towed.

The officer contacted health officials, and they confirmed that the female as well as the male were both COVID-19 positive and should have been self-isolating. The officer informed public health that there were two other occupants in the vehicle who were in contact with both the male and female.

A short time later, the officer attended both residences and fines of $1296.00 were issued to the male and female for Failing to Comply with the Public Health Orders.

The officer involved was wearing personal protective equipment during the interaction and remains on active duty, however he continues to self-assess for any COVID-19 symptoms.

“This is an example of what our officers on the front line are dealing with,” said Inspector Christopher Hastie, Officer in Charge of the Thompson RCMP Detachment.

“During this pandemic, first responders have made a lot of sacrifices in their personal lives in terms of how they interact with their loved ones in order to serve the public. The blatant disregard of a public health order in this instance jeopardizes the police officer’s health, and the health of their family. Ultimately, these actions put lives at risk and are completely avoidable. People need to abide by public health orders as this is about protecting the health and safety of all Manitobans.”

Following the death of an Indigenous woman at an Alberta hospital last month, MKO is demanding immediate change and action.

Lillian Vanasse, originally from Sandy Bay First Nation but living in Hanna, Alberta, was admitted to hospital on Christmas Day after experiencing flu-like symptoms, according to her husband Cory Ashley, and died a day later.

Ashley states that Vanasse wasn’t given proper treatment from hospital staff, and her pleas for help were ignored.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee says it’s important to hold the health care system accountable to prevent further loss of life, and adds that MKO is working with First Nations legal experts, medical scholars, and historians to do so.

This comes after a press conference held by MKO on Tuesday, which urged all levels of government to address anti-Indigenous racism in health care systems.

Thompson MLA Danielle Adams addressed the increase of COVID-19 cases in the north in her latest report.

Adams says that while the numbers are concerning, it’s important to not place blame on communities or their members for the outbreaks the north is seeing across the region.

She explains this increase is due to several factors, namely the lack of good housing, especially for those living in remote communities.

Adams states that First Nations leadership have been proactive in trying to prevent the spread of the virus and actively administering the Moderna vaccine, and placed blame on the provincial government of being “reactive”.

She goes on to say that she and her fellow northern MLAs sent a letter to health minister Heather Stefanson calling on the government to provide an urgent vaccination plan for northern and rural communities.

MKO’s Thompson sub-office is working with Indigenous Services Canada to help people obtain status cards free of charge.

This is to ensure that northern residents have better access in getting their Treaty status cards, as some may not be able to travel to Winnipeg to get an appointment.

The service includes renewing expired cards, getting new cards, and getting replacement cards.

The services are available by appointment only. To book an appointment, call 204-939-4330.

On Jan. 23 at approximately 10:25 am, Thompson RCMP Traffic Services stopped a vehicle on Highway 6, near Paint Lake.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and officers seized approximately 280 grams of cocaine, Canadian currency, weapons and drug paraphernalia.

The driver, a 32-year-old male was arrested and was also found to be breaching the Public Health Emergency Order for non-essential travel north of the 53^rd parallel.

Matthew Govereau has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Trafficking, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose x2, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Unlawful Transportation of Liquor in a Motor Vehicle, under the Liquor, Gaming, Cannabis Control Act and Failing to Comply with a Public Health Emergency Order, under the Public Health Act. He was taken into into custody.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business states the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted red tape policies that have slowed down processes for businesses and residents across the country.

Director of the Prairies Jonathan Alward says that some government COVID-19 aid programs make it difficult for business owners to access information or services, citing examples like finding information on government websites, said information being written in “legal-ese”, and how restrictive some programs are.

When asked about how the CFIB has been doing in terms of advocating for reduced red tape on COVID-19 programs, Alward stated that it’s an “ongoing work in progress”.

To learn about Red Tape Awareness Week, visit cfib DOT ca or listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Police in Norway House are investigating following a report of an assault.

On Jan. 22 at approximately 3:05 am, Norway House RCMP responded to a report of a male assaulting a female at a residence in the community. It was reported that the male was armed with a knife and a firearm.

RCMP arrived at the residence and were advised that the male had fled the home with a firearm, and the female victim was with him.

Officers contained the surrounding area, and Police Dog Services and the Containment Team were deployed.

The Police Service Dog named Linkin along with his handler began tracking and located a firearm in the woods. They continued following the track until it ended at a residence on Paupanekis Point Road.

The male suspect was located inside the home and was arrested without incident. The victim, a 21-year-old female, was also at the residence, and had sustained minor injuries.

The 25-year-old male is facing charges of Assault and weapons offences.

Manitoba Acting Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Jazz Atwal announced 171 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon, bringing the five day test positivity rate to 9.3 percent. 

He also announced two additional deaths with one each in the Winnipeg and Southern health regions.

Of the new cases 64 were in the Northern health region, 56 in Winnipeg and 33 in the Interlake Eastern health region with lower numbers in other regions.

The Northern Health Region has 1, 561 active cases and  37 hospitalizations, including ten ICU patients. In the Thompson/Mystery Lake District, there are currently 85 active COVID-19 cases. Therea are currently 29 COVID-realted deaths in the region.

Overall, of the total 28, 260 reported cases, 3, 261 are active, 24, 204 individuals have recovered and 274 people are in hospital with 39 in intensive care.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced updates to COVID-19 restrictions this afternoon, but not for northern residents.

He explains the new orders would apply to Winnipeg, Southern health, Interlake Eastern and Prairie Mountain regions. However because of the current case counts and test positivity in the north and many First Nations, they’re going to not have this loosening of the restrictions apply to the north, including Churchill.

The main change from the proposals presented earlier this week is that two family or friends allowed to visit your household have to be two designated people only. 

The new orders come into effect Saturday and run until February 12^th. 

Other changes allow for the elimination of the essentials list in stores with 25 per cent occupancy, and barber shops and hair stylists can open also at 25 per cent occupancy.

On Jan. 20 at approximately 2:50 am, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, Thompson RCMP along with the Tactical Team and Manitoba North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team, intercepted a bus in Grand Rapids, while it was stopped at a gas station.

The bus was travelling from Winnipeg to Thompson.

A 29-year-old male was arrested, and was found to be in possession of over 200 oxycodone pills, 142 grams of cocaine and a cutting agent.

Mohamud Ahmed Abdi of Toronto, Ontario, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x2, Trafficking x2, Obstruction and Failing to Comply x3. He was remanded into custody.

RCMP continue to investigate.

Northern Health Region CEO Helga Bryant says the public needs to pay attention to COVID-19 public health orders.

Her comments come after cases spiked in the region beginning last week, which has been attributed to some Manitobans gathering with people outside their household over the holidays despite the restrictions against it.

Bryant says the public health system alone can’t curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, and everyone in the province is responsible in doing their part to ensure COVID is contained.

For the full interview with Bryant, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Manitoba Acting Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Jazz Atwal announced 153 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon, bringing the five day test positivity rate to 9.5 percent. 

He also reported six additional deaths, with five in the Winnipeg region and one in Prairie Mountain health. 

Of the new cases, 70 are in the Northern health region and 48 in Winnipeg with lower numbers in other regions.

The total number of active cases reported in the Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Snow Lake, Sherridon district has dropped two to 18. 

Of the total 27,893 reported cases 3137 are considered active, 23,968 individuals have recovered, 273 are in hospital with 36 in intensive care.                

A member of the Manitoba Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer reported a new online vaccine dashboard has been launched.

It shows how many doses they have received, how many have been given to eligible Manitobans, how many doses are scheduled to be given to Manitobans in the next 28 days, and a breakdown of the age and sex of those Manitobans who have been immunized.

It can be found at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine.html.

The beginning of 2021 is still bleak for many business owners across Manitoba who are trying to make it work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s according to Jonathan Alward, a regional director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

He explains the CFIB surveyed businesses last week, with 45 per cent of small businesses consider themselves to be fully open, 38 per cent consider themselves to be fully staffed, and less than 30 per cent are earning normal revenues or better.

Alward goes on to say that the CFIB has been advocating for easing of certain restrictions, which the province says they are considering after polling Manitobans this past week.

However, due to the high COVID-19 case counts in northern Manitoba and First Nations, any proposed changes will most likely not apply to the region.

For the full update from Alward, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Following the advice of public health officials and input from tens of thousands of Manitobans, the government is considering modest changes to public health orders.

They include allowing two additional people to visit a household, outdoor visits of up to five people plus members of a household on outdoor private property, retail stores open for sale of all products and current requirements to maintain physical distancing with occupancy limits in place, the elimination of the essential items list and barber shops and hair stylists to reopen at 25 percent capacity with adequate physical distancing.

It was noted with the high case counts in northern Manitoba and First Nations any proposed changes would most likely only apply in the Winnipeg, Southern heath, Interlake Eastern and Prairie Mountain health regions.

The province encourages input from Manitobans on the proposed changes that could come into effect Friday by going to engagemb.ca.

As a way to let Thompson families document their times during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiddies Northern Preschool is offering COVID time capsule kits thanks to the Manitoba Stay at Home grant.

Lynn Martin, director at the preschool, says she initially wanted to send the kits off to families before the winter break to give them an activity to work on during code red, but ended up pushing it back to the New Year in order to have more time to receive the supplies they needed.

Martin explains the kits are available to all families in Thompson, including those with student who are being home schooled.

Families have until Feb. 16 to send their time capsules back to the preschool, where they will be sealed for around ten years.

Martin hopes to have a celebration for families who participated in January 2030 to lay out the time capsules and have everyone look through them.

For those interested in taking part or who would like more information can call Kiddies Northern Preschool at 778-7739.

Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 for the full interview.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reported 118 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 10.6 percent. 

He also reported four additional deaths with three in Winnipeg and one in the Northern health region linked to the outbreak at the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home. 

Of the new cases 46 are in the Northern health region and 45 in Winnipeg with lower numbers in other regions.

Roussin says they are still seeing outbreaks in northern and First Nations communities and so there’s a lot of work on the ground with the rapid response teams, rapid testing, a lot of work right now on alternative isolation accommodations because it’s very important to get those cases of contact isolated to break the chain of transmission.

He adds they see the numbers today showing a slight downturn but they’re still concerned about the outbreaks in the remote settings.

Of the 27,629 reported cases 3,108 are active, 23,748 individuals have recovered and 289 are in hospital with 35 in intensive care.

It was noted that the delay in Pfizer vaccine distribution will have no affect on the commitment of Moderna doses made to First Nations communities.

However, the super-site in Thompson is not accepting appointments at this time. Dr. Joss Reimer, Medical Officer of Health and a member of Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Task Force says she will notify the public during the the pandemic press briefings when it will accept appointments.

With the high number of COVID-19 cases reported in the Northern Health Region this past week, MKO Grand Chief says they’re working with government partners to understand what is driving these numbers.

Settee expressed concern for MKO citizens in a statement on Thursday, explaining it’s in talks with Indigenous Services Canada and the Northern Health Region to get more details on the epidemiology on why the north is seeing such an increase of cases recently.

He recommends everyone to continue to follow public health orders, mentioning that in the case where someone passes away, that families look to find creative ways to honour their loved ones as large funerals are not allowed while under code red.

Some ways include online memorials for those with internet access or delaying in-person memorials until it’s safe to do so.

This comes after provincial public health officials announced nearly 400 cases of the novel coronavirus and five deaths in the NRHA over the course of last week, with outbreaks in Thompson, Lynn Lake, and Garden Hill.

The Breakfast in a Bag program has delivered over 15 hundred bags to families in the community since last April.

That according to Pastor Mel Versluis from the Thompson Pentecostal Assembly, which has been running the program since the pandemic hit Manitoba.

Versluis says the program has been able to run for as long as it has thanks to the help provided by individuals, businesses, and organizations such as the Thompson Community Foundation. He explains that grant funding has also assisted in operating Breakfast in a Bag.

Residents interested in either helping Breakfast in a Bag or signing up to receive a monthly delivery can visit thompson church DOT ca.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information on Breakfast in a Bag.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced 191 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon, bringing the five day test positivity rate to ten percent. 

He also reported five additional deaths with three in the Winnipeg region and one each in the Southern and Northern health regions.

Roussin noted the current restrictions are making a difference explaining they looked back at the modeling numbers on the trajectory we were on in early November and looking back at that they’ve figured that from November 12^th to January 3^rd these red level restrictions have likely saved 17 hundred lives.

Of the new cases, 84 are in the Northern health region and 71 in Winnipeg region, with lower numbers in other regions.

Roussin says a lot of work is being done in northern communities including Lynn Lake, Thompson and Garden Hill First Nation experiencing high case numbers. 

Of the total 27, 145 reported cases, 2, 907 are active, 23, 478 individuals have recovered, and 284 are in hospital with 35 in intensive care.

The Grand Rapids RCMP responded to a call for assistance at the bridge spanning the Saskatchewan River on Wednesday morning.

At the scene officers observed a man being carried downstream in the river by the strong current. The man was carried about 50 feet downriver before grabbing an ice edge to hang on too.

The victim was eventually rescued by the police and only had minor injuries.

The Manitoba government has changed its plans for a vaccination “super site” for the North only days after it was announced.

Some northern residents will still get their COVID-19 shots at Thompson's airport, but only people who live in fly-in communities.

Most northern residents will get their shots at the Thompson Community Recreation Centre.

Mayor Colleen Smook says the change makes more sense for people who live in the city of about 13,000.

Premier Brian Pallister has announced the Manitoba Bridge Grant application deadline has been extended to the end of this month. 

The program offers support to small businesses, charities, not for profits and home based businesses affected by public health orders.

Pallister explains it’s now broadened to include more businesses such as hotels, resorts, lodges and outfitters, travel agencies, janitorial services companies, and owner/operators of licensed passenger transportation businesses.

They’ll be eligible for the five thousand dollr Bridge Grant for this year. Plus if they qualify, they will be eligible retroactively for the previous five thousand.

Visit manitoba.ca/covid19, click on programs and then Manitoba Bridge Grant for more information.

Manitoba public health reported 259 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate back up to ten percent. 

They also reported two additional deaths, with one each in the Winnipeg region and Prairie Mountain region. 

Of the new cases, 139 are in Northern health, 75 in Winnipeg and 23 in Prairie Mountain with lower numbers in other regions.

Of the 26, 954 reported cases, 2, 866 are active, 23, 313 individuals have recovered, 290 are in hospital with 37 in intensive care and deaths now total 755.

Support from public health is being provided in Lynn Lake after they reported an outbreak with a total of 144 active cases being listed.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic into 2021, a Manitoba ethicist talks about what lessons we should take from this pandemic once it’s behind us.

Arthur Schafer, the Director of the Centre of Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba, says it’s not too early to learn from this pandemic and that it should teach us how to be better prepared should a similar situation arise in the future.

He explains that since we live a globalized society, new viruses will be much more likely to spread around the world, meaning that all levels of governments have to be prepared if another pandemic were to occur.

Schafer says another lesson to learn from this is for countries to work with the World Health Organization to better monitor and act quickly when a new virus is discovered.

For the full interview with Schafer, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 both today and tomorrow afternoon.

Manitoba Acting Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Jazz Atwal reported 155 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 9.6 percent. 

He also reported five additional deaths with three in the Winnipeg region and one each in Prairie Mountain and Northern Health regions. 

Atwal says we are heading in the right direction but if we let up now all the hard work for the past several weeks could be for nothing, we could go back to where we started in November.

He says we need to do this in order to bring our numbers down further and reduce the strain on our health care system noting despite lower case number we’re not back to normal so we have to keep focusing on the fundamentals to protect ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors and our co-workers.

Of the new cases, 61 are in Winnipeg and 70 in the Northern health region, with lower numbers in other regions.

Atwal noted the numbers include new cases reported in a couple of northern Manitoba communities with 37 in Lynn Lake and 14 in Thompson, related to larger households and among households, and steps are being taken to contain the spread of virus in these communities, as well as around 15 in First Nations communities.

There’s no arguing that 2020 was a difficult year for business owners, not just in Manitoba but around the globe.

President and CEO Chuck Davidson says many businesses had to close their doors at various point throughout the year, and hit some industries harder than others.

Davidson explains that the chamber has information for businesses on the different aid programs available to them, and will be holding an information session to help answer questions business owners may have.

For more information, visit jointhechamber.ca, or listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Manitoba has begun shipping the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to First Nations communities as of last week.

MKO issued a statement on behalf of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, one of the communities to receive the vaccine on Thursday.

Chief David Monias says the first batch is designated to Elders aged 70 and older, Elders in care homes, and staff working in the Elder’s home, totaling 199 vaccines.

The community has less than 30 days to administer the vaccine to those eligible, and if there are people who refused the vaccine, doses will then be offered to those ages 69.

The province announced on Wednesday that First Nations communities across Manitoba would receive 53 hundred doses of the vaccine.

The Manitoba government has extended public health orders from January 8^th until January 22^nd.

The existing Critical/Red level restrictions have been extended by public health order, with a minor modification to allow exemptions for professional hockey. 

The updated orders will extend current exemptions to all professional hockey teams but will allow games to be played as well as training.  The teams will be required to follow strict protocols.    

Premier Brian Pallister says while we are starting to bend our COVID curve in the right direction, now is not the time to let up.  He urges Manitobans to follow the fundamentals, stay safe at home and limit your close contacts as much as possible.

The public health measures which continue in place close down non-essential businesses and limit close contacts with people to people within the same household.

Manitoba Public Health reported this afternoon 201 new cases of COVID-19, lowering the five day test positivity rate to 9.9 percent. 

They also reported 12 additional deaths with eight in Winnipeg, two in Prairie Mountain, and one each in the Northern and Southern health regions. 

Of the reported new cases, 105 are in Winnipeg and 60 in the Northern health region with lower number in other regions. 

Of the total 25, 742 reported cases 4, 506 are active, 20, 519 individuals have recovered, 319 are in hospital with 35 in intensive care and related deaths now total 717. 

Personal Care Home residents will soon be able to welcome loved ones for visits in the new COVisitation spaces which are being installed at 125 PCHs and other sites in the province.  Visits will be by appointment only with more details available from individual PCHs in the coming days.

Youth looking to become a certified babysitter have an opportunity to do so for free.

The Aqua Essence Swim Academy in Winnipeg will be offering the Red Cross Babysitting Course free of charge to 370 kids across Manitoba, thanks to the Safe at Home grant from the Province of Manitoba.

Rishona Hyman, the owner and instructor of the school, says the course is for participants between the ages of eleven and 15, and is taught by certified instructors using Zoom through four two-hour classes.

Hyman explains the course will teach the participants how to meet the needs of children of all ages, prevent and respond to emergencies, and promote themselves as a babysitter.

To register for the course or for more information, visit aquaessence.ca.

You can also tune in to Thompson Today at 12;40 and 5:10 this afternoon for the full interview.

Premier Brian Pallister has announced that in order to protect vulnerable Manitobans who are at greatest risk from COVID-19 Manitoba will launch a 28 day campaign.

The campaign will be to immunize all eligible personal care home residents at 135 sites across the province with the first doses of the vaccine. 

Pallister noted that by mid-March, every single eligible PCH resident will have received both doses and the fullest protection they can provide them with against this deadly virus.

The PCH immunization campaign begins on Jan. 11, and over the week focused immunization teams will visit seven locations in every regional health authority across the province to immunize 1, 157 people.  The only location mentioned for the week in the Northern Health Region is St. Paul’s Residence in The Pas.  Locations are selected by vulnerability of the site based on the number of residents as well as the percentage of shared beds.

The province has developed a week by week plan to immunize an estimated 9, 834 people living in PCHs across the province, with schedules release weekly.

Pallister also reported 5, 300 doses of the first Moderna Vaccine received will be sent to First Nations communities based on a plan developed with First Nations partners.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced 118 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon, with a five day test positivity rate of 10.7 percent. 

Roussin also announced five additional deaths, all in the Winnipeg health region. 

He explains they are starting to see our case numbers come down, and while our restrictions are due for review, we need to ensure that this is not a time that we relax our efforts against the virus. 

Roussin notes our test positivity rates are still high, in addition to our hospitalization and ICU numbers,and it’s also too early to know the effects of gathering over the holidays will have on our numbers.

Roussin added the impact of those numbers will be part of their review of the current restrictions.

Of the new cases, 80 are in the Winnipeg region and 19 in Southern health with single digit numbers in other regions. There were five new cases announced in the Northern Health Region.

Of the reported total 25, 244 cases, 4, 423 are considered active, 20, 133 individuals have recovered, and 340 are in hospital with 41 in intensive care.

Currently, there are 978 active cases in the NRHA. Of that, 44 are in the Thompson/Mystery Lake District.

Active hospitalizations in the region are at 21, with four patients in ICU. The number of COVID-19 related deaths are at 21.

Another politician has been stripped of her portfolios for travelling abroad during the the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal N-D-P says it will reassign the shadow cabinet positions formerly held by Niki Ashton, after it was revealed the Manitoba MP went to Greece to visit a seriously ill family member in defiance of COVID-19 guidelines against non-essential travel.

The party says Ashton reached out to Canadian officials for “best practices,” but did not notify leader Jagmeet Singh or the party whip of her travel plans.

A spokesperson for Ashton's office states she "followed all rules and guidelines with regards to her travel. They add that Canada deems entry for compassionate entries as part of essential travel, and Greece doesn't allow entry to Canadians without proof of the essential nature of their travel.