The health and safety of our children in care and our foster parents is extremely important during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, new guidelines for travel have been released by provincial public health officials.
As of March 23, Manitoba foster parents are not permitted to travel between provinces, even if foster children do not accompany them, until further notice. Based on public health advice, foster parents must cancel or postpone any non-essential travel at this time, which includes travel inside the country as well as international travel. There should be no recreational, tourist or non-essential personal travel. Effective immediately, a foster parent returning from travel (international or domestic) must self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.
The only exceptions for travel across provincial border are:
- the commercial transportation of goods and services; or
- workers, including health-care workers, who live in a neighbouring jurisdiction and travel to Manitoba for work.
If symptoms develop during the 14-day self-isolation or self-monitoring period, contact Health Links– Info Santé to determine if testing for COVID-19 should be considered. In cases where testing is not recommended but symptoms are present, stay home (self-isolate) until well.
All screening for suspected cases of the virus are be referred to Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257. The most up to date information on COVID19 can be found at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
If you have any other questions, please contact your organization or agency.
Sarah Thiele
Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Services