COVID-19 Resources and Information
IPW has closed our physical office until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All IPW staff are reachable by email and we will continue to work remotely towards creating a community that is caring, just and equitable.
We encourage everyone to keep following all recommended safety precautions and stay safe. Below is a list of resources related to COVID-19 that our stakeholders may find helpful.
Government Updates on COVID-19
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Government of Canada Updates: Get the most up to date information from the Government of Canada
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Province of Manitoba Updates: Get the most up to date information from the Government of Manitoba
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City of Winnipeg Updates: Get the most up to date information from the City of Winnipeg
COVID-19 Information
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COVID-19 online Screening Tool: If you have flu-like symptoms and think you may have contracted COVID-19, you must fill out this online tool to assess if you are at risk. The tool will tell you whether to call Health Links to be further assessed, to go to a clinic, or to do nothing if you are not at risk. Both testing and treatment for COVID-19 is completely FREE for everyone, including newcomers and those without any health coverage.
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How to know if you should get tested for COVID-19 by Shared Health Manitoba: Here are multilingual factsheets that can help you: Arabic | Cantonese | English | French | Kurmanji | Mandarin | Ojibwe | Punjabi | Somali | Swahili | Vietnamese
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Health Links can provide over the phone interpretation: 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257
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Know the Facts About Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
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Multilingual Factsheets: Arabic | Bengali | English | Chinese / 简体 | Farsi (Persian) / فارسى | Italian / Italiano | German/ Deutsch | Greek | Gujarati | Hindi | Inuktitut/Nunavik | Japanese / 日本語 | Korean / 한국어 | Polonais/Polish | Portuguese/ Português | Punjabi | Russe/Russian | Romanian | Somali | Spanish/ Español | Tagalog | Tamil / தமிழ்| Urdu | Vietnamese
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Social Distancing: The Manitoba Government advises that we all practice social distancing.
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Multilingual Factsheets on social distancing: Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Chinese – Simplified | Chinese – Traditional | English | Farsi | French | Hindi | Korean | Oromo | Japanese | Punjabi | Somali | Spanish | Tagalog | Tigrinya
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Multilingual videos explaining social distancing (updated April 25th, 2020): Amharic | Arabic | Dinka/Jieng | Farsi | Hindi | Kurmanji | Napali | Nepali/Bhutan | Samalis | Tagalog
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Self-Isolation:
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Factsheets on social distancing are available in multiple languages: Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Cantonese | English | Farsi | French | Hindi | Japanese | Korean | Mandarin | Oromo | Punjabi | Somali | Spanish | Tagalog | Tigrinya
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NOTE: The Arabic, English, Cantonese, French, Mandarin, and Tagalog factsheets are Manitoba focused, the rest were developed by the Government of Alberta
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Be Prepared:
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These are simple, practical things you can do to prepare in case you or someone in your household becomes ill, available in different languages: Arabic | Bengali | Chinese (simplified) / 简体 | Chinese (Traditional) | English | Farsi (Persian) / فارسى | French/Francais | German/ Deutsch | Greek | Hindi | Inuktitut/Nunavik | Italian / Italiano | Korean / 한국어 | Polish | Portuguese/ Português | Punjabi | Russian | Romanian | Somali | Spanish/ Español | Tagalog | Tamil / தமிழ்| Urdu | Vietnamese
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How to Care for a Person with COVID-19 at Home:
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If you are caring for a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, follow this advice to protect yourself and others in the home, as well as those in your community: Arabic | Bengali | Chinese (simplified) / 简体 | English | French/Francais | German/ Deutsch | Greek | Gujarati | Hindi | Inuktitut/Nunavik | Korean / 한국어 | Polish | Portuguese/ Português | Punjabi | Russian | Romanian | Somali | Spanish/ Español | Tagalog | Tamil / தமிழ்| Urdu | Vietnamese
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How to Clean and Disinfect Public Spaces:
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Public surfaces frequently touched with hands can be contaminated. Here's information on cleaning and disinfecting public spaces: Arabic | Chinese (simplified) / 简体 | English | French/Francais | German/ Deutsch | Italian/Italiano | Polish
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For Employers, Employees and Essential Service Workers:
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How to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace: Arabic | Bengali | Chinese (simplified) / 简体 | Chinese (Traditional) | Denesuline | English | Farsi (Persian) | French/Francais | German/ Deutsch | Greek | Gujarati | Hindi | Inuinnaqtun | Inuktitut/Nunavik | Italian / Italiano | Korean / 한국어 | Michif | Ojibwe (Western) | Ojibwe (Eastern) | Portuguese/ Português | Punjabi | Russian | Romanian | Somali | Spanish/ Español | Tagalog | Tamil / தமிழ்| Ukrainian | Urdu | Vietnamese
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For Temporary Foreign Workers:
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Vulnerable populations and COVID-19:
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The following contains information for those who are more at risk of getting an infection and developing severe complications due to their health, social and economic circumstances: Arabic | Bengali | Chinese (simplified) / 简体 | English | French/Francais | German/ Deutsch | Greek | Gujarati | Hindi | Korean / 한국어 | Polish | Portuguese/ Português | Punjabi | Russian | Romanian | Somali | Spanish/ Español | Tagalog | Tamil / தமிழ்| Urdu | Vietnamese
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Find out if you are at a higher risk for complications, and what actions you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19 here.
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COVID-19 in American Sign Language (ASL) by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
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Myths about COVID-19: There are many myths about COVID-19, here is information debunking those myths
Financial Supports and Benefits
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Financial assistance for newcomers, temporary residents and refugees: Canada is helping people who face financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you live in Canada, even temporarily, there may be support for you. Some of the information is available in multiple languages.
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COVID-19 Factsheet on Income Benefits and Supports: Information related to the changes to GST, Child Tax Benefit, EI, EIA, hydro payments, water payments, mortgage payments, and student loans
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COVID-19 - Service Canada Contact Information: available in French and English
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Applying for Canada Emergency Response Benefit: The government has started accepting applications. More information is available here.
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Canada’s Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Programs has also released a bulletin with answers to frequently asked questions and helpful information for newcomers regarding CERB application.
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Service Canada – Applying for EI: instructions for how to apply to EI. Available in French and English
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Rent Assist: This financial assistance is available for people who receive Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) and have housing costs to cover and other low-income private renters.
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Support for Businesses: Economic Development Winnipeg created a COVID-19 toolkit for businesses with links to resources.
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CBC's Guide to Financial Help: If you are unsure of what benefits you are eligible for as an individual, small business or student, you can check out CBC's guide for more information on what financial assistance is available for people living in Canada.
Mental Health Resources
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COVID-19 / Coronavirus | Mindfulness Self-Help: This is a widely recognized, simple, and brief mindfulness practice, which may help you quickly alleviate the stress and its negative emotional effects, take back control of your mood, and focus on what you are doing at the present moment.
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National Institute for the Care of the Elderly (NICE): NICE offers free, over the phone, friendly outreach and brief counselling services for older adults and persons with disabilities. You can call the Toll Free number today: 1 (844) 529-7292
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NEW Support Line for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence: A Woman's Place is here to support women who have been impacted by gender based violence. The services have been extended to include over the phone support, chatting and texting options, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am till 9:00 pm. Call 204-940-6624 to talk to a counsellor. The text line is: (431) 400-9600, and the chat line is accessible at: www.norwestcoop.ca (click on banner to get to chat)
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Free online crisis training for essential workers by Mental Health Commission of Canada
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COVID-19 Factsheet - Mental Health and Well-being: This factsheet provides some tips and resources to take care of your mental health during this difficult time.
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Kids Crisis Text Line - Need help now? Text CONNECT to 686868. Volunteers also needed.
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Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelter’s confidential provincial toll-free crisis line: 1-877-977-0007.
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Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7): Toll free: 1-877-435-7170 / TTY: (204) 784-4097 / www.reasontolive.ca
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Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): Phone: (204) 786-8686 / Toll free: 1-888-322-3019 / TTY: (204) 784-4097
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Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7): Phone: (204) 786-8631 / Toll free: 1-888-292-7565 / TTY: (204) 784-4097
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More crisis support information at Klinic
Community Resources and Support
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Settlement Service Providers: Many settlement service providers are no longer providing in-person services or have temporarily stopped their services. To find out which services are open or closed either go to the organization’s website or go to MANSO’s website.
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Access to Food: Winnipeg Harvest is providing food to those in need. Check out their website for instructions on how to access a food bank. Free Lunch is also available at 710 Aberdeen on specific days.
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COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults: The Centre on Aging has compiled resources for older adults on grocery stores, health resources, community resources and social resources for older adults in Manitoba.
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Housing in Manitoba & COVID-19: This is a summary of information put together with help from Right To Housing and the new group Emergency Housing Justice, explaining how COVID-19 has affected housing in Manitoba.
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Information for Tenants: This document contains information about tenants' responsibilities, financial relief measures available for tenants and how to appeal tenancy issues.
Parenting Resources
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Manitoba Education: Updates related to school closures and COVID-19 in Manitoba
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NEEDS Remote Homework Support: NEEDS Centre is offering FREE one-on-one remote online homework support to students in grades 1-12 in all subject areas. NEEDS staff are flexible in setting up meetings with students and can provide homework support from 9:00-8:00 PM Monday to Thursday and on Fridays from 9:00-6:00 PM as needed for students. Please see the attached poster with information on how students can get connected to this agency.
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Province of Manitoba Education Portal: A guide for parents to support their child(ren)'s learning at home.
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Virtual Homework Room: The virtual homework room is an online drop-in for youth to be matched with a tutor to get support with their school assignments. Click the Zoom link when you want to join and enter the password (homework).
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96738446921
Password: homework
Meeting ID: 967 3844 6921 -
Winnipeg Public Library FREE library card: Live in Winnipeg and don't have a library card? Winnipeg Public Library now offers a free temporary membership! This will give you access to online resources while libraries are closed.
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Healthy Start Virtual Groups: Upcoming parenting virtual groups starting Monday, April 27th and continuing every week with colleagues and families.
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Childcare: Updates related to childcare and COVID-19 in Manitoba
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COVID-19 FACTSHEET: Parenting Resources and Information: This factsheet includes information about COVID-19, schools in Manitoba, nursing mothers, financial assistance for parents, educational supports and resources.
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COVID-19 for 3-6 year olds: This fact sheet can help 3-6 year olds understand the important information about COVID-19.
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English | Arabic/اللغة العربية | Armenian / Հայերեն | Bengali | Creole | Chinese (Simplified)/中文(简体字)| Chinese (Traditional) / 中文(正體字)| Farsi / فارسی | Filipino | French/Français | German /Deutsche | Greek/Ελληνικά | Gujarati / ગુજરાતી | Hindi/हिन्दी | Hiligaynon/Ilonggo | Italian/Italiano | Japanese / 日本 | Korean/한국어 | Malay | Malayalam/മലയാളം | Marathi / मराठी | Polish/Polskie | Punjabi/ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Russian/русский | Serbian/Српски | Spanish/Español | Swahili | Tamil/தமிழ் | Telugu/తెలుగు | Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt
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COVID-19 for 6-12 year olds: This fact sheet can help 6-12 year olds understand the important information about COVID-19.
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English | Arabic/اللغة العربية | Armenian / Հայերեն | Bengali | Creole | Chinese (Simplified)/中文(简体字)| Chinese (Traditional) / 中文(正體字)| Farsi/ فارسی | Filipino | French/Français | German /Deutsche | Greek/Ελληνικά | Gujarati / ગુજરાતી | Hindi/हिन्दी | Hiligaynon/Ilonggo | Italian/Italiano | Japanese / 日本 | Korean/한국어 | Malay | Malayalam/മലയാളം | Marathi / मराठी | Polish/Polskie | Punjabi/ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Russian/русский | Serbian/Српски | Spanish/Español | Swahili | Tamil / தமிழ் | Telugu/తెలుగు | Ukrainian/Українська | Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt
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COVID-19 for 13-18 year olds: This fact sheet can help 13-18 year olds understand the important information about COVID-19
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English | Arabic/اللغة العربية | Armenian / Հայերեն | Bengali | Creole | Chinese (Simplified)/中文(简体字)| Chinese (Traditional) / 中文(正體字)| Farsi/فارسی | Filipino | French/Français | German /Deutsche | Greek / Ελληνικά | Gujarati / ગુજરાતી | Hindi/हिन्दी | Hiligaynon/Ilonggo | Italian/Italiano | Japanese / 日本 | Korean/한국어 | Malay | Malayalam/മലയാളം | Marathi / मराठी | Polish/Polskie | Punjabi/ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Russian/русский | Serbian/Српски | Spanish/Español | Swahili | Tamil / தமிழ் | Telugu/తెలుగు | Ukrainian/Українська | Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt
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Social Connection and Volunteering
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Social Distance Pow Wow Facebook group: to connect with Indigenous Peoples online for community support and to share ideas for navigating this shut-down period.
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Help Next Door MB: If you are a volunteer ready to provide your support or someone who needs a helping hand through these difficult times, this platform can connect you.
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CareMongering Facebook group: If you need someone to help you or you want to help someone in your community, please check out this group.
Other Useful Resources and Tools
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COVID-19 and Human Rights Code for Manitoba Residents: Know your rights! Although we are in the middle of a pandemic, all residents of Manitoba are still entitled to the basic human rights. Check out this factsheet to see answers to frequently asked questions about employment and rent in Manitoba.
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COVID 19 Travel and Immigration: Basic information about travel and immigration changes due to COVID-19.
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Stop the Spread of Racism: As COVID-19 spreads globally, so too does racism and discrimination against the Chinese and Asian community. A dizzying amount of misinformation in conjunction with preconceived prejudice has led to irrational fear. With fear has come chronic xenophobia, causing Chinese and Asian people, businesses and communities to suffer greatly.
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The Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice launched an anti-racism campaign to combat the growing racism and xenophobia.
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We have also launched the campaign "Manitobans: COVID-19 Doesn't Discriminate. Nor Should You!" (Manitobain(e)s, La COVID-19 ne discrimine pas. Vous non plus!) Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates @DontDiscriminateMB
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Technology Solutions for Building a Virtual Workplace: The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA) created a factsheet about resources and tools to help build an online work environment.
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Provincial closures and updates: There are many services and businesses that are closed or changing the way they work. Global News has been tracking what is open and closed as it relates to city services, health services, schools, sports and entertainment, retail stores, food, and religious institutions
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Cancer Care for Newcomer Patients through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recognizing that newcomer cancer patients may experience additional challenges for receiving care during this pandemic, CancerCare Manitoba has access to emergency funds in an effort to ease challenges. Attached is a letter with additional information about when and how to access such funds.
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MPI Rebate FAQs: MPI to refund $110M to customers as claims plunge during pandemic. FYI - current policy holders can call an Autopac agent to discuss the possibility of switching from "all purpose use" to "pleasure use" for their vehicle insurance if they are no longer using their vehicle every day, or "storage insurance" if they are not using their vehicles at all due to quarantine and social distancing measures.
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Resources Available During Social Distancing for Older Adults: To assist both older adults, caregiver’s and service providers during this difficult time, here are some of the additional resources available on everything from physical health, mental health and what grocery stores are open.
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Employment Opportunities: In response to COVID-19, there have been changes in the demand for talent. To support companies in finding the talent they need, YES! Winnipeg’s Talent Team is monitoring which companies have an increase of job openings as a result. Please see link for a list of companies that are hiring during COVID-19.