Pallister says about one quarter of Manitoba’s public servants seeing reduced demand

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says there’s room in the public sector for temporary reduced work weeks that would save the government money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pallister says about one-quarter of public sector positions are seeing reduced demand because their offices are closed or members of the public are staying home.

The Progressive Conservative government announced earlier this week that it wants many workers to job share or accept unpaid days off each week while the pandemic continues.

Pallister needs the federal government to agree to change the rules on employment insurance so that provincial civil servants could qualify.

He also needs public-sector workers to agree.

The premier says if Ottawa or the unions representing he workers don’t agree, there will no doubt be temporary layoffs.

The government expects the COVID crisis to take a $5-billion toll on the budget this year because of increased health-care spending and lower tax revenues from a slumping economy.

1:13 Hundreds of City of Winnipeg employees temporarily laid off due to coronavirus

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

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

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.

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