The province is tightening the current public health orders in an effort to slow the spread of variants of concern and to protect Manitobans and the health-care system against the third wave.
Premier Brian Pallister says despite our best collective efforts and having some of the strictest public health orders in the country, Manitoba’s case numbers continue to rise, “We are at a critical point in the third wave – it is a race between the variants and vaccines, and right now the variants are winning. We need a few weeks in order to allow our accelerated vaccine efforts to catch up and change the course of that race. Today, we are asking Manitobans to stay close to home, significantly limit your close contacts and get your vaccine as soon as you are eligible.”
The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Wednesday, April 28 at 12:01 a.m. for a period of four weeks:
– no visitors will be allowed to private households either indoors or outdoors with certain exceptions including allowing one visitor for people who live alone;
– no indoor gatherings will be permitted and outdoor gatherings on public property limited to a maximum of up to 10 people including household members. No outdoor gatherings are permitted on private property.;
– faith-based gatherings will be limited to 25 per cent capacity or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is lower, with indoor mask use required at all times;
– patio dining will be restricted to groups of four people only with no household restrictions;
– food courts in malls and shopping centres will be required to close;
– gyms and fitness centres continue to be limited to 25 per cent capacity, but individuals, patrons and staff will be required to maintain physical distancing of three metres (nine feet) from others;
– spectators at outdoor sports and recreation facilities will be limited to one parent/caregiver spectator per youth participant, if physical distancing of two m (six ft.) is maintained;
– dance, theatre and music schools will continue to be limited to 25 per cent capacity, but the new orders will limit the maximum number of people on site to 10 with one parent/caregiver spectator per youth participant, if physical distancing of two m (six ft.) is maintained;
-personal service business will be able to continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity, but appointments will be required;
– day camps will be permitted to have up to 10 children indoors and outdoors; and
– retail stores must be limited to 25 per cent of the capacity of the store or up to 250 patrons, whichever is lower, and malls will be limited to 25 per cent of the facility’s capacity.
In addition to these changes, enforcement will be enhanced in key sectors including for self-isolation requirements. Stakeholder outreach will be also be increased in malls and other spaces where gatherings are taking place.
The province also announced earlier today that they’re expanding the vaccine eligibility to all adults who live or work in northern Manitoba will help reduce the risk for area residents who face increased risk of the virus spreading in their communities.
Changes to the orders will be in effect until Wednesday, May 26.
