The strict ‘Code Red’ measures in the province are about to be expanded, as health officials worry about the number of Manitobans gathering and shopping for non-essential reasons.
The changes announced Thursday by Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin will go into effect on Friday, November 20 — further restricting things like (1) private gatherings, (2) public gatherings, and (3) retail shopping.
Private Gatherings
Under the new restrictions, Manitobans must limit gatherings in their private residence to people who normally live there.
There are exemptions that would allow someone to enter the home of another person:
- provide health-care, personal care or home care services
- allow a parent or guardian to visit a child who does not normally reside with that child
- receive or provide child care
- provide tutoring or other educational instruction
- perform construction, renovations, repairs or maintenance
- deliver items
- provide real estate or moving services
- respond to an emergency
A person who lives on their own may have one other person (who they regularly have contact with) allowed to visit their home.
“If you [for example] rent out a cottage — that would be determined to be a residence. So only members of your household would allow to be in there. You couldn’t rent it out with another household, or have any visitors in there otherwise,” explained Dr. Brent Roussin alongside the Premier.
Public gatherings
Manitobans are prohibited from assembling in a gathering of more than five people at any indoor or outdoor public place or in the common areas of a multi-unit residence, with the exception of a health-care facility or critical business that adheres to health protection measures.
The gathering limit does not apply to health-care, social services, school facilities, or any business that is allowed to remain open under the public health orders.
Retail
Retain business in Manitoba deemed essential may open to the public, but may sell only essential items to members of the public who are shopping in person at the business.
The province is giving Manitoba businesses until Saturday, November 21 to ensure that
(1) non-essential items are removed from areas of the business to which members of the public have access.
(2) members of the public are physically prevented from gaining access to non-essential items at the business, and
(3) signs in the business or stickers on items in the business clearly identify non-essential items that cannot be purchased by members of the public at the business.
All retailers may continue to sell both essential and non-essential items online, by telephone or by remote means for delivery or pick up.
