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Daycares and casinos are about to close in Manitoba.

Premier Brian Pallister made the announcement Tuesday morning.

It’s allowing home-based childcare providers to continue operating and creating “dedicated child-care options” for parents working in front-line and essential services. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 17, 2020

Public, licenced daycares will close after Friday, said Pallister, noting that home daycares will still be allowed to remain open.

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In addition, Tuesday is the last day casinos will be open.

The move impacts Manitoba’s six casinos. — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 17, 2020

Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s Chief Public Health Officer, said they are also recommending the immediate suspension of visitors in long-term care facilities.

The provincial lab has tested more than 2200 samples so far. They are averaging about 400/day right now. You will not be tested if you don’t have symptoms — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 17, 2020

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“I’d like to note that this is not the time to go out,” said Roussin.

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Manitobans should cancel international travel plans, he said, noting that the risk changes daily in every country.

“I can’t recommend this stronger …. please cancel any international travel plans.” Tweet This

Despite the social distance warnings, Roussin said people who are able to give blood are asked to keep their appointments.

“The need for blood is constant,” he said. “It doesn’t go away during a pandemic.“

Lynette Siragusa with Shared Health echoed his concerns, saying if the blood shortage continues, elective surgeries may be closing.

Two new testing sites have been opened, one in the Pas and one in Flin Flon. People must still call Health Links to be referred to the sites.

“It’s during times of crisis and adversity that we Manitobans shine — we pull together, we work together,” Premier Brian Pallister says, thanking front line staff. “Manitobans can do their part — donate blood, help a senior shop.” #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 17, 2020

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Asked why bars and restaurants are still open, Roussin said they’re hoping institutions will implement restrictions themselves.

The province is sharing a list of changes to government services that were submitted over the last 24 hours — with almost 70 changes, including some already in place and others planned over the coming days. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 17, 2020

As of Monday night, the province had eight confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 and there were no new cases reported as of Tuesday at noon.

Over the past several days, sports teams have cancelled their league play, schools are set to shut down on March 23 and numerous restaurants and retail operations have either scaled back their operations or closed.

Read more about government changes here:

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