Based on feedback from Manitobans, concerns over rising variants case numbers and the need to maintain the stability of the health-care system, the Manitoba government is making minor changes to the current public health orders and will remain at the ‘critical’ (red) level on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.
Following feedback from Manitobans, only a limited number of the options proposed late last week will be implemented in the next round of public health orders. The following changes to public health orders go into effect on Friday, March 26 at 12:01 a.m. and will expire on April 15:
• increasing gathering limits at outdoor public places to 25 from 10 people;
• increasing gathering limits at weddings and funerals to 25 from 10 people;
• maintaining the capacity limits for retail stores at 50 per cent, but expanding the in-store limits to a 500-person capacity, whichever is lower, with other public health measures still in effect; and
• relaxing rules for drive-in events to allow people to leave their vehicles while still observing public health measures.
Changes to indoor or outdoor gathering sizes at personal residences or in restaurants will not be introduced, as prolonged contact has a higher risk of transmitting the virus.
Additional changes may be considered after spring break, Passover and Easter if data supports making further reopening efforts.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19