Manitoba’s provincial government announced March 2 that it is bringing in all but one of the proposed changes to COVID-19 public health orders that it outlined last week.
Among the changes are allowing all businesses except for movie theatres, concert halls, casinos and bingo halls to operate and to increase the capacity for businesses and restaurants to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is lower, though restaurants would still be expected to ensure that only members of the same household sit at the same table. The province is also allowing households to designate either two people or one other household as being allowed to visit them and allowing group instruction at gyms, arenas, fitness centres, dance studios and music and theatre facilities up to a maximum of 25 per cent capacity. Video lottery terminals can also reopen for use provided there is at least two metres or a non-permeable barrier between them. Places of worship will also have their capacity limit increased to 25 per cent or 100 participants for regular services, with masks and physical distancing still required. Outdoor gatherings in public or private places can have up to 10 people. This limit also applies to non-organized outdoor sport and recreation activities.
The changes will apply to all of the province’s health regions, said chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin at a press conference with Premier Brian Pallister on Tuesday.
“Manitoba’s case numbers and test positivity rate continue to trend in the right direction,” said Roussin.
The only change floated last week that will not come into effect for three weeks beginning March 5 is allowing people at gyms and fitness centres to not wear masks while participating in activities. The only exception to this is for people using swimming pools
“We decided to keep that in at this point,” said Roussin.
Pallister announced that a third payment $5,000 would be available to eligible businesses affected by public health orders through the Manitoba Bridge Grant program.
He also urged Manitobans not to repeat past mistakes.
“We’re gong to have to remember the lessons of last fall as we move forward over the next couple of weeks,” the premier said.
Roussin reiterated the point.
“If we go back to interacting like we were in October, November and December, we’re going to see those numbers again. Right now we’re still at a risky spot. Prolonged indoor contact should be reduced as much as possible.”
