UPDATED
On Tuesday. November 10, 2020, the province announced new restrictions coming into force to battle COVID-19.
Dr Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, said that effective Thursday November 12, the entire province will move to Critical (red) on the Pandemic Response System with additional restrictions.
“We are truly at a crossroads,” said Roussin.
The new measures will be in effect for a minimum of two weeks and include the following:
- Social gatherings will not be permitted. Social contacts are limited to people who live within the same household.
- Travel to and from northern Manitoba is restricted. Non-essential travel is discouraged.
- Retail businesses listed as critical services like grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, butcher shops, bakeries, markets and hardware stores can remain open at 25 per cent capacity.
- Businesses not on the critical list can provide e-service, curbside pickup or delivery services.
- Businesses that provide personal services like hair salons, barbers and sites offering manicures, pedicures and other aesthetic services must close.
- Gyms and fitness centres must close.
- Casinos, VLTs, museums, galleries and libraries, sports & recreation facilities, movie theatres and concert halls must close.
- Film Production must stop
- Religious and cultural gatherings will not be permitted in person.
- Weddings and funerals are limited to five people socially distanced, plus an officiant
- Restaurants can only provide delivery, takeout or drive-thru.
- Schools and child care centres will remain open.
“We are at a critical point in our fight against COVID-19, and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable Manitobans and ensure our health-care system is there for Manitobans, when they need it,” said premier Brian Pallister. “This is a team effort, and we all have a role to play in protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our community. By taking these measures seriously, we are going to save lives.”
Roussin said “I cannot stress enough to all Manitobans – now is the time to stay home and reduce your close contacts.”
On top of the new restrictions, the premier noted that enforcement will continue. Fines for breaching public health orders are $1,296 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses.
The City of Winnipeg announced that they will be closing all City-owned and operated playgrounds, skate parks, and recreational sports fields effective immediately.
The city also noted that that although not currently operating, winter-based outdoor recreation, including City-owned and operated toboggan slides and outdoor rinks are also included in this closure.
City parks and dog parks will remain open at this time but physical distancing is required while using these spaces.
© News4.ca 2020
