All of Manitoba will be moved to the critical red level on the Pandemic Response System starting Thursday.
Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin made the announcement today, making the move to halt COVID-19 transmission and to protect Manitoba’s most vulnerable citizens.
Dr. Roussin says the restrictions will be in effect for a minimum of 2 weeks.
The new Critical (red) level restrictions will be in effect province-wide and include:
- Social contacts reduced to your household only. Social gatherings are not permitted.
- Travel to and from northern Manitoba is restricted and non-essential travel is discouraged.
- Retail businesses listed as critical services, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, can remain open at 25 per cent capacity.
- Retail businesses not on the list are able to provide e-service, curbside pickup or delivery services.
- All personal service businesses, including hair salons, barbers and sites offering manicures, pedicures and other esthetic services, must close.
- Gyms and fitness centres must close.
- Religious and cultural gatherings must close or be provided virtually only.
- Restaurants must close to the public and may be open for delivery, drive-thru or takeout only.
- All recreational activities, sports facilities, casinos, museums, galleries, libraries, movie theatres and concert halls must close.
Why Is PMH Being Elevated To Red?
When asked why Prairie Mountain Health is also being elevated to red -- despite lower case numbers compared to the rest of the province -- Dr. Roussin cites the rising test positivity rate in all of Manitoba's health regions. Roussin also said the number of contacts per case is trending in the wrong direction.
"We have to do whatever we can right now to stop the climbing numbers."
In addition, no changes will be made to child-care services or to kindergarten to Grade 12 education delivery at this time. Roussin noted the province has not seen widespread transmission among children, students and staff.
Roussin says there are a number of things Manitobans can do themselves, to reduce the spread, that go beyond the restrictions put in place.
These include:
- Reduce the number of shoppers from your household to the lowest possible number. Send only one person to shop.
- Work from home if at all possible.
- Reduce travel unless absolutely essential.
- Remember all those you have come in contact with recently.
Fines for breaching or failing to comply with public health or emergency orders have recently been increased to $1,296 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations.
The province reminds Manitobans that compliance and enforcement issues can be reported by visiting and completing the reporting form at www.manitoba.ca/COVID19, or by calling 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) and pressing option three on the call menu.
