Coronavirus: Manitoba creates online portal for neighbours to help neighbours

Premier Brian Pallister called a press conference Monday to thank Manitobans for living up to their ‘Friendly Manitoba’ moniker over the past week and announce a new online portal.

He started the press conference by thanking Manitobans for helping people in their time of need.

0:52 Coronavirus outbreak: Manitoba health official thanks Tim Hortons for delivering coffee and snacks for testing labs

“Manitobans are ready to do the right thing and protect each other,” Pallister said Monday.

The online portal, called helpnextdoormb.ca connects those who want help with those who are able to help, said Jerin Valel, the province’s IT director.

The province has partnered with North Forge to run the website.

People can use the portal to connect volunteers to people who need people to help them with things like safety checks, shopping or other help, said Valel.

There will be no specific app, said Valel, so that the website will work on all phones and devices.

“Those who require a helping hand, place their request on the Help Next Door MB website. Volunteers will see the request on the system and should they be able to help, they will ‘select’ that request,” reads the website’s FAQ.

“Once matched, you will receive an email that will include the other parties contact information. You will be responsible for contacting and setting up a time for the request to be completed.”

There is no fee for using the website.

Manitoba health officials said Monday the province has 20 probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The province declared a state of emergency late last week.

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

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.

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.