Coronavirus crisis
CPThis undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the virus that causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Canada closing its doors: Canada and the U.S. are expected to shut down their shared border to all but “essential” travel sometime tonight or early Saturday. READ MORE
Securing supplies: In Ottawa, the Liberal government is set to announce efforts to obtain ventilators, masks and other medical and protective gear. The Canadian Press reports. READ MORE
Airline layoffs loom: Air Canada is laying off about 60 per cent of its flight attendants as the company moves to suspend international and U.S. flights, a union official said. READ MORE
No new cases: The Manitoba government will give its daily update on the province’s COVID-19 cases later this morning. There have been 17 confirmed cases so far. On Thursday, the province said a 30-bed isolation unit is being created at Health Sciences Centre. Carol Sanders reports. READ MORE
Senators sold stock: Two Republican U.S. senators sold large amounts of stock before the market dropped sharply amid coronavirus fears. READ MORE
Weather
Your forecast: Sunny with a mix of sun and cloud late this afternoon, a daytime low of -21 C and high of -10 C, wind at 15 km/h decreasing to 10 km/h later this morning and wind chill as low as -30.
More on the virus
JESSE BOILY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSRev. Geoffrey Angeles sits at the piano to an empty church on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Easter services nixed: The province’s Catholic authorities have cancelled public Good Friday services and Easter celebrations as the most important season for Christians approaches. Brenda Suderman reports. READ MORE
‘I’ve been lucky’: The Free Press spoke with a Winnipeg man who has COVID-19 and is recovering at home. He said he contracted it on a recent trip to the Caribbean. The man, who is in his 70s and did not want to be identified, said two downtown buildings — including an eatery — were shut down for cleaning after the landlord was told he had been there. Kevin Rollason reports. READ MORE
Fan-free racing: Assiniboia Downs hopes its season will begin as scheduled on May 10, but with empty stands. “The reason we believe we have to do it is to save the industry,” CEO Darren Dunn said. Mike Sawatzky reports. READ MORE
From dream to dilemma: The Free Press spoke with a restaurateur who had the misfortune to open amid a pandemic. Ben Waldman reports. READ MORE
In other news
Police responded to the scene about 5:25 a.m., after the driver activated his vehicle’s distress signal. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)
‘Everyone has been crying’: The victim of the city’s latest homicide, Balvir Toor, was “a very good father,” his brother-in-law told the Free Press. Toor died in hospital after he was assaulted inside or near his taxi on Burrows Avenue early Thursday. Jason Bell reports. READ MORE
At city hall: City council will vote on its first multi-year budget today. On Wednesday, the executive policy committee made several amendments, including keeping the U-Pass and cancelling a cut to Sunday library hours. Joyanne Pursaga reports. READ MORE
Privatizing public housing: Social advocates say the provincial government’s decision to transfer public housing units to the non-profit sector will hurt low-income families. Katie May reports. READ MORE
On this date
On March 20, 1917: The Manitoba Free Press reported that in the Great War the British and French pushed against German lines, capturing 60 towns, with the French advancing 20 miles; the German forces were reportedly devastating the countryside in their retreat, leaving inhabitants without food or shelter. United States president Woodrow Wilson was expected to admit that a virtual state of war existed between his country and Germany.
Today’s front page
Get the full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Winnipeg Free Press READ MORE
|
