Latest COVID-19 Recovery updates

Below are the latest updates and news as of June 23, 2021. For further information, please visit the COVID-19 webpage.

MANITOBA’S REOPENING BEGINS EARLY

The province has announced that it will move ahead with the first milestone of its ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path and allow many businesses and facilities to open at 25 per cent capacity starting June 26. Information on how this will impact UM and businesses on campus will be shared in this story and on UM’s COVID website soon.

OUTDOOR GATHERINGS

Current public health orders, effective until June 26, allow outdoor gatherings with up to five people in public spaces and on private property. That includes University of Manitoba campuses. As a reminder, when outdoors on UM campuses or while participating in UM-sanctioned activities off campus, 3-ply masking is mandatory when physical distancing is not possible, and recommended at all other times.

VACCINE LOTTERY WILL AWARD NEARLY $2 MILLION TO ELIGIBLE MANITOBANS

The province has launched a new lottery that will be open to people who get their vaccine, with two draws to be held in the next few months. Those who have already been vaccinated will automatically be entered into the lottery. Manitobans aged 12 and up who have received at least one dose of vaccine by Aug. 2 will be eligible for the first draw; Manitobans aged 12 and up who have received two doses by Sept. 6 will be eligible for the second. For more information, visit https://protectmb.ca/lottery/.

IMMUNIZATION CARDS FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE

The province has introduced secure immunization cards for fully vaccinated people that will allow Manitobans to travel without having to self-isolate for two weeks upon return. Cardholders will also be allowed visitation within Manitoba health-care facilities, including hospitals and personal care homes. Applications for the card can be made online at https://immunizationcard.manitoba.ca/. Full information is available on the province’s website.

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY

The Province of Manitoba has expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone over the age of 12. All members of our UM community – students, faculty and staff – are now able to book their vaccination appointments. This eligibility is also not based on any specific areas of the province or limited to certain jobs.

For updates on second dose vaccine eligibility, see the province’s website, which is updated frequently.

To book an appointment for a vaccine, visit https://protectmb.ca/. Appointments can be made at one of the provincial supersites or popup vaccination clinics. You can also book your appointment by calling 1-844-626-8222.

For more information about Manitoba’s vaccine rollout as it applies to the UM community, visit UM’s Vaccine Information page.

UPDATE TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VACCINE ELIGIBILITY 

International students can book vaccination appointments immediately after arrival as long as their stay in Manitoba will be at least 30 days. The vaccine will be provided at no cost and some form of government-issued ID such as a passport will have to be presented to receive the vaccine.

If you have already received one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that is not approved for use in Canada, current public health recommendations are to book up to two doses of a vaccine that is recognized in Canada (either Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD or Janssen [Johnson &Johnson]). Manitoba’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force has advised that there are no additional risks associated with getting more than two doses of vaccine.

UM REC FACILITIES, LIBRARIES, DINING SPACES CLOSE

All UM recreation facilities are now closed and will remain closed until restrictions allow reopening. UM Libraries are closed until further notice, but will continue with contactless pickup through the pickup lockers and all electronic collections and virtual services will continue to be available. Dining at UM is restricted to take-out only. Fort Garry Bookstore, pharmacy and other retail remain open for in-story shopping at 10% capacity.

WHAT’S OPEN ON CAMPUS?

Check status of campus businesses and services.

DISTANCING IN COMMON SPACES ON CAMPUS

Mandatory minimum distancing in all lunch spaces has increased to three metres. In addition, absolutely no food or drink will be allowed in study spaces. Three-ply masks must be worn at all times in these spaces. Eating outside is encouraged, while still maintaining social distancing of two metres.

VEHICLE OCCUPANCY

Ideally, occupancy is restricted to a single person – the vehicle operator – however, under exceptional circumstances, deans/unit heads may authorize one additional occupant. If so, these protocols must apply:

• Maximum distancing must be maintained while in the vehicle.
• Both occupants must wear a 3-ply masks at all times.
• Ventilation within the cabin should be maximized as much as possible by opening windows.

PRINCIPLES GOVERNING FIELD TRIPS AND FIELD ACTIVITIES

Information and guidance around field trips and field study activities can now be found on the COVID-19 Latest Updates and Safety page under the Principles Governing Activities section. The section includes an In-Person Course Exception Field Trip/Study Request Form for activities outside of Winnipeg or for overnight stays.

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND MASK COMPLIANCE

With health and safety as our overarching priority, let’s all do our part to ensure our UM and wider community stays healthy by wearing the required 3-ply reusable or disposable masks on campus. Questions and additional information on mask wearing and compliance can be found on the UM COVID updates page. To report compliance concerns, please contact UM Security Services.

WELLNESS RESOURCES FOR A STRONG, HEALTHY COMMUNITY

As the pandemic lingers on, it’s important to take care of ourselves and each other. Avail yourself of the many wellness supports for faculty and staff. Many UM programs and services can be accessed online, and can provide both individual and unit support. Working together to create our best 2021, let’s make wellness a priority!

COMMUNITY EDI SUPPORTS DURING COVID-19

The pandemic has intensified inequities impacting Indigenous, Black and racialized communities as well as people with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ and student communities. A new handbook for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) during COVID-19 has been created to connect people to university and community supports.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC OR NOT FEELING WELL

The health and safety of our UM community is our top priority. Together, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout our campuses. If you are not feeling well, or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and do not come to campus: 

• It is essential that employees and students self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposures before attending to any on-campus activities. 
• Self-Assess each day before coming to campus.
• If the self-assessment checklist advises you not to enter; stay home, isolate and refer to the:
  • Online COVID-19 Screening Tool, or
  • Call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200
  • Toll free at 1-888-315-9257 for further guidance