As part of the province’s restart program, the Manitoba government is seeking feedback from the public to further ease restrictions to public health orders.
Premier Brian Pallister says this is an option thanks to the efforts of all Manitobans, “We continue to lead in recovery and have among the lowest COVID-19 test positivity rates in the country. That means we can continue our careful, balanced plan to restart our economy, give people back their lives and get Manitobans back to work.”
The draft plan for Phase Four of reopening, which could begin as early as July 25th includes;
– increasing gathering sizes to 75 people indoors and 250 outdoors, where members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges. Larger group sizes would be allowed where distinct groups of 75 or 250 can be separated to prevent contact with other groups.
– increasing visitation at personal care and long-term care facilities, ensuring a balanced approach to visitation is required which mitigates the risk of COVID-19 transmission within sites. Each resident or designate would be able to identify two support people who would be able to visit the resident’s room indoors. Outdoor visits would be allowed for a reasonable number of visitors (up to four people) per resident, depending on availability of space. Each site will need to develop specific plans for enabling outdoor/indoor visitation by visitors to ensure the safety of residents within the facilities.
– adjusting restrictions for faith-based gatherings, pow wows and other cultural and spiritual events, as well as resuming live theatrical performances and movie theatres. No cohorts will be required and capacity will increase to 50 per cent of the site’s capacity or 500 people, whichever is lower. Adequate physical distancing between individuals and households must continue to be provided.
– opening casinos, with a maximum occupancy of 50 per cent of the site’s capacity. Physical distancing, and frequent and enhanced cleaning and wiping of surfaces are required.
– lifting occupancy restrictions in all retail settings and indoor recreation sites except for gyms, fitness centres, martial arts, gymnastic clubs and yoga studios. These sites must remain at occupancy levels of 50 per cent or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.
– allowing closer distancing at therapeutic health businesses and personal service businesses such as hair and nail salons where a non-permeable barrier is installed.
– allowing counter walk-up service in bars, beverage rooms and brew pubs provided non-permeable barriers and hand sanitizer is available for patrons, along with more frequent cleaning and wiping of services.
The province is also considering removing the 14-day, self-isolation travel restriction for domestic travel within Canada, the premier noted.
“Manitoba is one of the safest places in the world to go back to work and get back up on your feet,” said Pallister. “We must maintain our vigilance while growing our way out of this pandemic. I encourage all Manitobans to have their say in our next steps of restarting our economy.”
Manitobans are encouraged to fill out the survey at https://engagemb.ca/ a and will also have the opportunity to participate in a telephone town hall on Wednesday (July 22).
Public health officials continue to encourage businesses to take steps to help staff, customers and visitors stay safe including:
– ensuring people are able to reasonably maintain two metres of distance;
– only conducting necessary and brief exchanges within two metres of others;
– applying enhanced cleaning protocols, especially in common areas like washrooms;
– maintaining physical distancing and food-handling protocols in workplace areas including lunch and common areas;
– ensuring staff stay home when feeling sick; and
– following personal risk reduction measures.
