MP Niki Ashton is calling on the federal government to take more measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Manitoba workplaces.

 

Ashton says Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller needs to address three key issues to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the north.

 

Those are having broader access to testing sites in the region, addressing the need for equipment, and infrastructure for self-isolation.

 

Ashton also touched on the report by a Winnipeg newspaper that Manitoba Hydro has flown at least five possibly symptomatic employees out of the Keeyask construction site as a precaution, which has surrounding First Nations communities calling for construction to be suspended.

 

A press release from Manitoba Hydro has stated that they are scaling back work and have suspended travel in and out of the Keeyask site, which is to be completed tomorrow.

 

The company adds that for employees who remain at Keeyask, it is continuing to follow the measures outlined by the provincial and federal governments and the World health Organization.

 

Ashton states social distancing is a key practice in slowing the spread of the virus.

 

Manitoba’s chief medical health officer Doctor Brent Roussin says the government has sent out their strong recommendations from Public Health to all Manitobans.

 

Roussin goes on to say that if the government gets word of major issues arising from individuals or organizations, Public Health will follow up with them.