A number of travel restrictions remain in effect for Manitobans as health officials say the measures are important to help ensure there are no big setbacks.
For the next set of public health orders, the Manitoba government is considering removing the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days for interprovincial travellers who travel for business reasons and do not have symptoms.
Health officials continue to discourage any non-essential travel, and require anyone entering Manitoba from outside of the province to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
There are some exemptions for health care providers, emergency services personnel, and elected officials — as long as they’re not showing symptoms. Exemptions from the 14-day isolation are also in effect for those who live by provincial borders and who regularly travel into Manitoba to work, or attend an educational institution.
All travellers are strongly advised get two COVID-19 tests - one on the day of arrival, and another on the seventh day after arriving in Manitoba regardless of if they are displaying symptoms, and whether they are visiting Manitoba or are returning from out of the country.
Concerns Over Situation In Neighbouring Jurisdictions
Manitoba’s top doctor says the travel restrictions have a lot to do with the COVID situation in neighbouring provinces.
“This is the one area of our public health restrictions that don’t necessarily rely heavily on our own epidemiology — it relies on the epidemiology of the places around us,” says Dr. Brent Roussin.
As of Thursday, March 18, Saskatchewan health officials reported a total of 433 presumptive cases of variants of concern — with 368 of those in Regina. By comparison, the entire province of Manitoba on that same day has seen 76 variant cases in total.
Dr. Brent Roussin says the risk of variants of concern remains relatively low in Manitoba, adding “we’re taking a lot of precautions right now so we don’t get set back.”
“We continue to advise against non-essential travel, we still have the self-isolation requirements for those who travel for non-essential purposes.”
Travel in Manitoba north of the 53rd parallel is also still restricted — with some exemptions
“We’re taking a lot of precautions right now so we don’t get set back.”
