WINNIPEG -- Mayor Brian Bowman, along with Jason Shaw, manager of the city's Emergency Operations Centre, said all Winnipeggers continue to have a role to play in containing COVID-19.
"Winnipeggers are doing tremendous work. I know it takes a lot of patience," he said, adding he looks forward to when the restrictions are lifted, but said Manitoba and Winnipeg are not there yet.
"What we don't want to do is risk undoing all the good work we've done up to this point."
He said the community service ambassadors continue to have positive responses. Bowman said there have been 1,025 positive interactions and 110 verbal warnings for a lack of physical distancing and large gatherings. He said there have still been no penalties required.
LIBRARIES CLOSED, BUT OUTREACH SERVICE CONTINUES
Shaw said while the pandemic has resulted in the closure of libraries, the Winnipeg Public Library outreach service is continuing.
He said the team has put together reading kits for children, youth, and adults to be delivered to resource centres and neighbourhood associations to serve residents in need.
Source: City of Winnipeg
"The reading kits for children, youth and adults include books to keep and activity sheets as well," Shaw said.
Boxes of books are also being offered to service organizations, he said.
COORDINATION NEEDED BETWEEN ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT
Bowman highlighted a need for coordination between levels of government when dealing with the virus.
He said all levels of government have been working with organizations like Main Street Project and End Homelessness Winnipeg to take care of the city's most vulnerable population amid the pandemic.
"I just don't want to see us take our foot off the gas as a society for the protection of those that are vulnerable," he said. "We recognize in this, is how vulnerable some of our citizens are. I think the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated that very well to many people who may not have appreciated it as much as they do now."
More information about the City of Winnipeg's response to the virus can be found online.
