Manitoba may lift isolation restrictions for travellers coming from Western Canada and northwestern Ontario as early as June 21, 2020, if the phase three reopening draft plan gets implemented.

On Thursday June 11, 2020, Premier Brian Pallister presented a draft of phase three of the reopening plan.

The proposed plan would see gathering sizes increased to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Restaurants and bars would see occupancy limits increased to 75% of capacity on patios and in dining rooms.

Retail businesses would see occupancy limits removed but physical distancing requirements would remain in place.

“Thanks to the efforts of ‘Team Manitoba’, we have successfully kept our COVID curve flat and continue to have among the lowest test positivity rates in Canada,” said Pallister. “There is a lot to take into consideration as we reopen our businesses and communities, safely.”

Licensed daycares would be allowed to operate at full capacity with guidelines in place. Group sizes of day-camps would increase from 25 to 50 children.

People affiliated with film production or professional sports teams will be allowed to enter Manitoba without self-isolating for 14 days.

“As we reopen the economy, we will have to adjust to some level of risk and each person has to decide the level of risk they are willing to accept.“

– Dr Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer

Occupancy limits for regulated and non-regulated health professionals including registered massage therapists would be removed.

Permanent outdoor amusement parks are permitted to open but are limited to 50 per cent capacity and physical distancing must be followed.

VLT Lounges, bingo halls and billiard rooms will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity as long as physical distancing can be followed.

“While we can take pride in the progress we’ve made and the additional steps we are considering today, we must remain vigilant,” Pallister said. “If public health results deteriorate or guidelines are not sufficient, Phase Three measures may be paused and previous measures may be re-introduced. We do not want a COVID comeback, we want a Manitoba comeback.”

You can read the full draft here | MANITOBA’S PANDEMIC AND ECONOMIC ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY PHASE 3

© News4.ca 2020