Premier Brian Pallister and Dr Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced a number of possible changes to the current COVID-19 restrictions that are set to expire in just over a week.
During a media briefing Dr Roussin said the province is considering allowing a number services to reopen but at extremely reduced capacity.
“We’re in a stable place right now – our data is not showing evidence of a spike as a result of the reopening measures put in place Jan. 23. However, the next few weeks will be crucial to determine whether any COVID-19 variants have entered Manitoba and their impacts,” said Roussin. “Of course, the fundamentals – including physical distancing, frequent handwashing, mask wearing and staying home when sick – still apply, and are what will help us gradually reopen more activities and services when it is safe to do so.”
The proposed plan includes:
- Restaurants and Lounges could reopen at 25 per cent capacity but only household members will be allowed at the same table. Closing time would be 10:00 pm
- Personal services like nail salons and tattoo parlours could reopen at 25 per cent capacity with physical distancing and enhanced PPE. Contact tracing information collection will be required.
- Gyms would be permitted to reopen for one-one-ne training sessions with physical distancing required. No group classes would be permitted.
- Places of worship could reopen but capacity would be limited to 10 per cent or 50 people whichever is lower.
- Libraries may reopen with a maximum capacity of 25 per cent. Groups will be limited to household members only.
- Outdoor sports can resume for games and practices but no multi-team tournaments will be permitted.
- The film industry will be permitted to resume work with safety protocols.
- Photographers can resume work outdoors. In studio is also permitted but groups are limited to household members only.
- Weddings can resume with up to ten people in attendance in addition to the officiant and photographer.
“While Manitoba’s COVID cases continue to trend in the right direction, we must not lose sight of the gains we have made and the risks associated with vaccine delays and new COVID variants. We must, and will, proceed with caution to ensure we continue to protect and safeguard Manitoba lives,” said Pallister.
The government is asking Manitobans for feedback on the proposed changes to restrictions by filling out a survey at the Engage MB website.
© News4.ca 2021
