MP for Portage-Lisgar Candice Bergen says the effect COVID-19 is having on Canadians is changing rapidly every day but is being handled as best as possible.

"I think what I'm seeing is a strong response from the province. We're getting daily briefings and updates, and I think it's really important that Manitobans are watching those updates and following all of the suggestions."

She encourages people to follow the advice given by experts on limiting travel, staying sanitary, and self-isolation if you may have been exposed or are returning to Canada from abroad.

"I know people have questions first and foremost around their health, and the health of their loved ones, and making sure their loved ones are at home and safe. Then I think the next thing that people are concerned about is making the rent payment or their mortgage payment."

Bergen notes that they are awaiting more word from the Liberals on what kind of support will be available for small businesses, and how the $5,000 for Canadians making their way home will be distributed.

"There's just a lot of things happening right now and they're happening quickly . . . We were scheduled to not be in Parliament today and this week, but we are in constant communications and the Prime Minister has said that he'd like to call Parliament back."

She adds, they are "absolutely prepared" to return to Parliament and pass any legislation that can support Canadians during this time.

"As the opposition, we do have questions around some of the screenings at the border, as well as what's happening when people get back from being outside the country. Are the quarantining themselves? Are they in self-isolation?"

As the situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve in the country, responses will also be changing to meet needs accordingly.

"It's a very, very quickly moving situation that I think everyone is trying to respond to in the best way, and we're going to keep being there. Although we're not taking people coming in, our office is open and people can call or email . . . I think everyone is doing the very best they can with the information they have, which is changing constantly."