On Monday, April 26, 2021, the Manitoba government announced additional public health orders to help stop the spread of COVID-19 during the third wave of the pandemic.
In a media briefing Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer announced the following changes effective 12:01 am on Wednesday April 28.
- 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 of up to 10 people will be allowed in public outdoor spaces only;
- 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.
“Despite our best collective efforts and having some of the strictest public health orders in the country, Manitoba’s case numbers continue to rise, which threatens the ability of our health-care system to care for those in need,” said Premier Brian Pallister.
The premier noted that enforcement will be stepped up
“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,” said the premier
Roussin has asked Manitobans to stay home as much as possible, reduce their number of contacts, wear masks around others from outside your household and stay home if you are sick.
“The best vaccine is the first one available, and we encourage all Manitobans to get their vaccine as soon as they are eligible,” said Roussin. “While we continue to ramp up our vaccine efforts as more vaccines become available, it is crucial that Manitobans continue to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones by continuing to follow the public health orders and practising the fundamentals.”
The new orders will be in place until Wednesday, May 26
© News4.ca 2021
