Heavy construction continues as an essential service in during shutdown

The Manitoba government has confirmed that heavy construction is listed as an essential service, and will continue to work during the current widespread closure of businesses and gatherings as the province struggles to reduce COVID-19 infections.

The new restrictions, sparking widespread shutdowns of businesses and services, were announced Tuesday at noon by Premier Brian Pallister and provincial Chief Public Health Officer Brent Roussin. The new restrictions listed here come into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.

In a call with Economic Development and Training Tuesday, it was confirmed to MHCA that the industry remains listed as an essential service, as per the rules imposed this spring when response to the first wave of the pandemic triggered a similar shutdown.

The province is re-imposing travel restrictions for Northern Manitoba. MHCA is awaiting word from the department whether that restricts travel for construction and related services.

WORKSAFELY™ is continuing to work with companies on training and COR™ audits. Training is being done via video conferencing and e-learning while audits for the most part will be completed remotely where possible to limit person-to-person contact.

The MHCA will update you on how the restrictions affect your operations and necessary travel, as details are clarified.

The Public Health Office is reminding Manitobans and Manitoba employers:

• Unless recommended by public health officials, only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. Individuals with symptoms are asked to seek testing as soon as possible once symptoms are present.
• Employers are asked to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health officials.
•  If you are symptomatic, or if someone in your household is symptomatic, your entire household needs to self-isolate pending COVID-19 test results. The symptomatic individual needs to stay in their own room and, if possible, use their own bathroom and not use common areas. 

This does not apply to asymptomatic household members if they are an essential worker required to wear PPE while at work, such as health-care workers or first responders.