We now have details about Manitoba’s reopening plan.
Premier Brian Pallister laid out the multi-phased effort — gradually reopening services, businesses, and some recreational opportunities — while still maintaining social distancing.
Phase One begins on May 4th, and will see priority elective surgeries restarted, diagnostics screening will resume and some non-essential businesses will reopen. Businesses must limit occupancy to 50 percent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.
Services, businesses and venues included in Phase One are:
• non-urgent surgery and diagnostic procedures;
• therapeutic and medical services;
• retail businesses;
• restaurants – patio/walk-up services;
• hair salons;
• museums, galleries and libraries;
• seasonal day camps; and
• outdoor recreation and campgrounds.
Phase Two will begin no earlier than June 1st, and we still may have critical public health measures and travel restrictions remain in place. More non-essential businesses will be considered for reopening, and public gathering sizes may be increased.
Businesses and services reopening during Phase Two may include.
• additional personal services, such as nail salons;
• restaurants – dine-in services;
• non-contact children’s sports; and
• film production.
The Department of Families will continue working with the child-care community to expand the availability of temporary child-care.
Looking ahead to future reopening phases, the premier says public gathering sizes will be increased and other non-essential businesses — such as bars, pools and spas, movie theatres and indoor recreational facilities — will be able to fully reopen. Travel restrictions may be eased at that time.
Mass gatherings — like concerts, summer festivals and major sporting events — will not be considered before September 2020, according to chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin.
The province will continue to reevaluate the situation around COVID-19 and adjust plans accordingly.
To view today's full reopening plan released by the province, click here.
