Manitoba’s 4-3-2-One Great Summer Re-Opening Plan Hits Second Milestone, New Public Health Orders Take Effect Saturday
Current Restrictions:
On August 7th, Manitoba’s new public health orders will take effect that further lifted most restrictions that have been in place throughout most of the pandemic. The current health orders are set to expire on September 7th.
To view the Province’s news release on the current health order, please click HERE.
Show Home Operations:
The MHBA recommends that all builders with show homes continue to ask all visitors to wear masks while inside their show homes during an open house. This recommendation is based on the following Manitoba Public Health recommendation:
Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in Manitoba and elsewhere, and the extra risk posed by the more contagious delta variant, provincial public health officials strongly recommend the following:
- -wearing masks in indoor public spaces for everyone who is not fully immunized including children under 12; and
- -maintaining physical distancing of two metres (six feet) in indoor settings.
Based on this public health recommendation, that physical distancing would be difficult in an open house setting, and that we should not have sales agents having to verify the immunization status and age of each visitor, the MHBA’s recommendation is that show homes should ask visitors to wear masks while inside the show homes. This is also in consideration of visitors under the age of 12 that are unable to be vaccinated at this time.
This requirement would not apply to private appointments as proper physical distancing can be better controlled.
Preventative Measures:
The MHBA reminds members that your continued vigilance in taking the appropriate steps to ensure proper preventative measures are vitally important at this time. Eligibility for accessing a vaccine has been frequently expanding, so please encourage your staff to consider getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
Collectively, Manitoba’s residential construction industry must continue to take as many preventative measures as possible to help protect their employees and help ensure business continuity against COVID-19.
Our industry must also demonstrate the protocols, as the public, our workers, and the government are definitely watching. Companies that do not implement these measures are not only putting their own business activities at risk, they are putting all residential construction activities at risk.
The MHBA strongly recommends that all of our members implement these measures, whether in your offices, showrooms, worksites or show homes.
- -If any employee or trade has any flu-like symptoms, no matter how minor, have them stay home;
- -Practice social distancing measures in all of your workplaces and worksites;
- -Keep hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes stocked and available if possible;
- -Have workers sanitize their hands frequently during the day;
- -Disinfect frequently used surfaces (Door knobs, countertops, handrails, etc.) on a regular basis;
- -Post signage at entrances to worksites, your business and show home/rooms asking those who have recently travelled internationally or those who have any flu-like symptoms to not enter;
- -Avoid greetings that involve touching, including shaking hands;
- -Wash your hands properly and frequently; and
- -Provide disposable towels/napkins should people wash their hands in your show home/workplace. Please do not use reusable (regular) towels in your bathrooms.
Impact on City of Winnipeg Inspections:
At this time, the City of Winnipeg has continued to suspend inspections in occupied buildings and homes. This suspension has no impact on new construction. The City of Winnipeg will keep appointments currently scheduled and facilitate through Google Duo or FaceTime, but will pause scheduling any new in-person inspections until approved to do so. Any changes in will be communicated to members as soon as the MHBA is informed by the City of Winnipeg.
MHBA COVID-19 Resources for Members:
As the COVID-19 event continues to unfold, the MHBA has set up a dedicated web page, https://www.homebuilders.mb.ca/mhba-covid-19-resource-page/, to ensure you have quick access to important information necessary to help you and your businesses navigate this tumultuous time.
This dedicated page includes links to the MHBA’s COVID-19 updates, plus a variety of health and business resources and will be updated as new information and resources are made available. We will still continue providing updates to you via email as new information becomes available to keep you as informed as possible.
CSAM has also updated its resource page with additional information. You can visit the CSAM page at https://www.constructionsafety.ca/covid-19-and-manitobas-construction-industry/