Erik Pindera

The novel coronavirus is surging in Steinbach and the surrounding area.

Health officials reported nine deaths and 431 new novel coronavirus cases on the eve of the Nov. 12 shutdown — the test positivity rate in the province’s capital is now 10.7 per cent.

Eight have died in the last 48 hours.

“I see a complete natural disaster.”

The shutdown comes amid rising novel coronavirus case numbers in the province — currently, Manitoba has the worst case count per capita nationwide while critical care capacity in Winnipeg hospitals is on the brink.

The current lease, set to expire in 2023, has been subject to more than five years of debate at city hall.

Dr. Brent Roussin said Thursday increasing COVID-19 cases prompted new rules for schools, including increased physical distancing, that go into effect Monday.

Some businesses — like beverage rooms, nightclubs, casinos and bingo halls — will have to close outright for two weeks.

Sixty-seven of those infected are residents, while 22 are staff, resulting in a ‘staffing crisis’ according to the union representing health care workers.

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation demanded immediate assistance and money for mental health supports from Indigenous Services Canada, the nation’s governance wrote in an open letter.