Manitoba company to help small businesses access federal subsidy programs

Manitoba’s small businesses will get a little extra help accessing federal subsidy programs to help them survive.

Premier Brian Pallister said local company 24-7 In Touch will operate a small call centre to reach out to local businesses to help them access the 75 per cent wage subsidy and Canada Emergency Business Account, which offers interest-free loans up to $40,000.

“We’ve never been here before, but … we do know how to stay focused on our goals,” said Pallister, praising local small businesses for being the backbone of the economy.

“This government is thinking of them — every day.”

Manitobans lost 23,000 jobs last month, said Pallister. “This month will be worse.”

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Because the federal programs “answer most of the concerns … we believe they can serve as bridges to recovery,” said Pallister.

Pallister also thanked those who cancelled their Easter and Passover celebrations this past weekend.

There were no new cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba as of Easter Sunday. A probable case was determined to be a false positive, so the case count stands at 242.

Eight people are hospitalized, four in ICU. Four people have died, and 96 have recovered.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.

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