Code red public health orders in Manitoba have been slightly adjusted and also extended through the holidays.
Premier Brian Pallister and chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin provided the update in a joint press conference on Tuesday.
“Our modelling has shown the Critical level, or red, restrictions have helped us avoid even higher case numbers right now,” said Roussin, “but our numbers are still too high and now is not the time to let up."
Changes To Public Health Orders
The changes to public health orders include:
• allowing thrift stores to open with some capacity limits, to allow access to second-hand clothing and other items
• ensuring acupuncture and manual osteopathy practices are allowed to open to align with other health services
• clarifying the operation of food banks and food hamper services
• allowing private residences to allow legal services, landlord access and access for home businesses
• encouraging safe outdoor physical activity for individuals and immediate households only by providing guidance to clarify that people not from the same household need to keep two metres of distance between them and that gathering sizes must not exceed five people
• adding school supplies as an essential item under the restrictions to retail services
• allowing drive-in events as a temporary measure subject to compliance with the restrictions, and cars must contain members from one household only and no one may leave the car while at the event
• permitting the Winnipeg Jets to train in Manitoba in preparation for an eventual NHL decision on a 2021 playing season
The updated measures will also allow the in-store purchase of holiday decorations like garlands, ornaments and religious items like menorahs and candles.
The updated measures will go into effect Saturday, Dec. 12 and will expire on Jan. 8, 2021.
