"I hate to say it, but it's here, and we can't ignore it. We'll trudge on as best we can, and I hope everyone's spirits keep up," says RM of Stanley Reeve, Morris Olafson.

Effective today, the RM of Stanley is restricting public access to its Administration office and Public Works Building by not allowing any walk-in traffic. Olafson says the community is in this together, and the RM will do its part in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

The RM's office will be fully staffed and operational, and available via phone and email as well as web services. Permits, payments, inquiries, service requests and the like will continue to be received and handled as quickly and efficiently as possible. Scheduled council meetings and hearings will continue and be open to the public so long as recommended social distancing requirements are followed.

"I know it's a trying time for everyone," says Olafson." We're being told to hunker down and not go out visiting too much. Try to keep your spirits up. This will end at some point."

The RM says it's in constant communication with Provincial authorities and will evaluate it's the approach to handling the situation and communicating with the public of any changes that occur.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.Manitoba.ca/covid19, updated by the Province of Manitoba to find out more about what is being done, and what they can do to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you have flu-like symptoms, call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257. If you are unsure what to do, there is an online Self-Assessment tool, available on the provincial government’s COVID-19 webpage.