What to expect from flu season as flu shot clinics wrap up

About one in five Manitobans has received a flu shot this year.

That is according to Dr. Davinder Singh, Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health. He says that is down from last year, which saw 28.6 per cent of Manitobans receive a flu shot. In a typical flu season prior to the pandemic, between 20 and 23 per cent of the population was getting vaccinated. 

What to expect from flu season as flu shot clinics wrap up

About one in five Manitobans has received a flu shot this year.

That is according to Dr. Davinder Singh, Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health. He says that is down from last year, which saw 28.6 percent of Manitobans receive a flu shot. In a typical flu season prior to the pandemic, between 20 and 23 percent of the population was getting vaccinated. 

Environment Canada predicts this winter will have less punch than last year

The Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada says the first two weeks of December will not be a sign of things to come this winter in southern Manitoba.

David Phillips released his winter weather outlook on Thursday, which is the first day of winter on the meteorological calendar. 

"I think it's really going to come and bite you deep and hard come next week and the week after," says Phillips, referring to the forecast for our part of the country.

Mild week could see us challenge record temperature on Friday

It may look like winter outside today, after a few centimeters of snow Monday evening, but this week's forecast might have us forgetting what month we are in.

The normal high for the Pembina Valley this time of year is -4 degrees. According to Environment Canada, daytime highs across the region this week will stay warmer than that each day. In fact, beginning Tuesday, temperatures should hit zero degrees every day this week through Saturday. 

RCMP provide more details on serious crash involving three men from southeast

RCMP have provided more details and cleared the confusion surrounding a serious crash Monday involving three men from the southeast. 

According to police, the single-vehicle rollover happened at approximately 9 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of Highway 1, near Portage la Prairie. When officers arrived, Portage Fire Department and EMS were already on scene. 

Providence now hosting rotating practical nursing site

An official opening was held Thursday afternoon for the rural rotating practical nursing site at Providence University College.

Manitoba Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Minister Jon Reyes says the opening of this site, through Assiniboine Community College, will allow more students to become certified in this high-demand health care occupation. 

Safe surrender site for newborn babies coming to Manitoba fire hall

A fire hall in southern Manitoba will soon offer a safe site for any mother wanting to surrender their newborn child.

Susan Penner of Steinbach is the Executive Director for Life Culture Canada. She says the Landmark Fire Hall, in Landmark, Man., will become the first Hope's Cradle safe surrender site in all of Manitoba. Only one other site exists in Canada; that one opened last year in Strathmore, Alberta.

Manitoba government targets violent offenders

Our provincial government is attempting to crack down on violent offenders.

Premier Heather Stefanson announced Thursday morning an investment of more than $3 million in the Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP and other police agencies to create an integrated violent offender apprehension unit and strengthen intensive bail and probation supervision for serious, violent offenders.

Lifesaving Society says one-third of drownings occur in colder months

Just because the outdoor swimming season has ended in Manitoba, that does not mean there is no longer a risk of drowning in our province. In fact, Lifesaving Society Manitoba says one-third of drownings occur between the colder months from October to April.

"Whether it's ice fishing, snowmobiling, late season boating or late season trekking on the ice, we're still seeing incidents happening every year and unfortunately those are deaths that we don't want to see happen because one death is one too many," notes spokesperson Dr. Christopher Love.

Tips for making this a safe Halloween for trick-or-treaters

Streets and sidewalks will likely be filled with trick-or-treaters this evening.

Today is Halloween and RCMP are issuing a few reminders in order to make this a safe and fun night for everyone.

"Don't go by yourself, go with someone," says Community Constable Dennis Redikop. "Go with an adult or an older brother or sister."

Redikop says you should let your parents know where you are trick-or-treating and for how long. He suggests establishing a safety plan and a safety route, so that if you end up going longer than expected, your parents know where to find you.