The MHBA continues to carefully monitor the situation surrounding the spread of the coronavirus in Manitoba. The MHBA has and will continue to recommend to our members that they follow the advice of Health Canada and Manitoba Health’s public health officials.

Here is a further update on MHBA activities:

Parade of Homes:

In light of the escalating situations regarding COVID-19, based on the increasing precautions being recommended by federal and provincial public health officials, and in the interest of our members, their staff, and the visiting public, the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association announced this morning that the 2020 Spring Parade of Homes has concluded effective immediately.

As of last evening, all Spring Parade of Homes advertising has been discontinued. The MHBA has recommended to all builders that those wishing to continue making their show homes available to the public do so by appointment only for the time being.

The MHBA has shared this information via social media and our website to help inform the public.

The MHBA has taken these steps at this time because we feel it is the appropriate action to take given the circumstances. We appreciate our members understanding.

Federal Economic Response Plan:

This morning, the federal government announced a package of support measures for individuals and business.

Details of the plan are available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html#Helping_Businesses_Keep

The federal government’s announcement can be found here: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-workers-and-businesses-through

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association continues to monitor the federal economic response, the closure of the Canada-US Border to non-essential travel, and any potential supply chain issues. We will be sure to include their updates in our e-newsletter.

Preventative Measures:

There are a number of preventative measures that the MHBA have recommended that all of our members implement, whether in your offices, showrooms, or show homes.

We are recommending that you implement the following best practices:

– Post signage at your door asking those who have recently travelled internationally or those who have flu-like symptoms to reconsider entering into your show home/room

– Consider limiting the number of groups/people entering your show home/room

– Keep hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes stocked and available if possible

– Disinfect frequently used surfaces (Door knobs, countertops, handrails, etc.) on a regular basis

– Avoid greetings that involve touching, including shaking hands

– Wash your hands 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.

Please share this update with your staff and discuss these important measures and the available options regarding show home hours with your staff.

Further Health Resources:

MHBA office operations:

Effective tomorrow, the MHBA office will be closed to the public. The MHBA will continue to serve you but all staff will be working from home for the time being.

The best way to contact the MHBA staff during this time will be by email:

Lanny McInnes, President & CEO – [email protected]

Cyrille McIntosh, Communications & Events Coordinator – [email protected]

Brittany Harris, Member Services Coordinator – [email protected]

Staff voice mail systems are accessible remotely, so all voice messages will continue to be returned as well.

All MHBA Committee and Board meetings will continue as scheduled, but will be held via conference call rather than in person meetings. Meeting details have been provided to directly all committee members.

We appreciate your patience as this is a quickly evolving situation and seems to continue changing by the hour.

We will attempt to keep you as fully informed on any further changes to MHBA operations as any further changes are made.

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