Manitoba to offer seniors one-time cheque of $200 for coronavirus-related costs

Manitoba will offer local seniors a tax rebate to help pay for the increased costs around the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Manitoba seniors aged 65 and over will receive a $200 cheque from the province.

“To ensure best use of the credit, the Department of Finance will proactively mail a payment cheque as a credit advance to each senior who filed a 2018 income tax return prior to April 1, 2020.”

Those who don’t receive the cheque or don’t have a mailing address “will be able to claim the $200 seniors’ credit on the 2020 income tax return,” said Pallister.

The money will not be taxable at income tax time and cannot be used to claw back other services seniors receive, he added.

The total cost of the program will be $45 million.

“This is a benefit to show our appreciation to our seniors,” said Pallister.

1:06 Coronavirus outbreak: Manitoba announces $45-million financial support program for seniors

At the beginning of the press conference, Pallister thanked Manitobans for their condolences for the death of his sister, who died last week.

There were no new cases of COVID-19 Monday, and local businesses have started slowly reopening under strict guidelines.

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.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.