Due to the increased threat of the omicron variant of concern, rising COVID-19 cases and a growing strain on the health-care system, Manitoba is taking additional steps to help curb the spread of the virus in the fourth wave of the pandemic, Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced today.
“We are taking the advice of our public health officials to put new measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect each other from this virus and the omicron variant,” said Gordon. “This is difficult, especially around the holidays, but it is a necessary step. Once again, we must ask Manitobans to do more. In addition to following these new orders, I encourage every Manitoban eligible to get their first, second or third dose to keep themselves safe.”
Click here to view the full list of restrictions
The updated orders keep the Pandemic Response System at Restricted (Orange) with schools at Caution (Yellow). They include:
- private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth ages 12 and under are exempt from needing to be fully vaccinated);
- private indoor gatherings are limited to five additional people plus the household if any of the individuals ages 12 year and older are unvaccinated (youth ages 12 and under are exempt from needing to be fully vaccinated);
- outdoor gatherings at a private residence are limited to 20 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth ages 12 and under are exempt from needing to be fully vaccinated);
- outdoor gatherings held on public property are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity if all in attendance are fully vaccinated (youth ages 12 and under are exempt from needing to be fully vaccinated), and 50 persons total if anyone present is unvaccinated (youth ages 12 and under are exempt from needing to be fully vaccinated);
- indoor and outdoor sporting and recreation capacity is reduced to 50 per cent for spectators, games and practices can continue but no tournaments will be permitted;
- outdoor ticketed performing arts events, indoor recreational businesses, seasonal facilities and events, group instructional classes and bingos, casinos and VLTs are limited to 50 per cent capacity and must continue to restrict admission to those who are fully vaccinated (youth ages 12 and under are exempt);
- day camps are limited to no more than 25 campers and camper groups must be cohorted, overnight camps are prohibited under these orders;
- gyms, movie theatres, museums and libraries are limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of immunization required everywhere except libraries;
- restaurants and licensed premises are limited to 50 per cent capacity with a maximum of 10 people per table and proof of immunization required, and members of the public are required to be seated except when travelling to get food or beverages or engaging in sporting activities; and
- faith-based gatherings are limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of vaccination or 25 per cent capacity or a total of 25 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required and cohorts may be implemented where groups can be physically divided up to a maximum of 10 cohorts or 250 people.
“We are seeing concerning numbers now, particularly with the omicron variant,” said Roussin. “Projections clearly show more challenges ahead for our individual health, to our communities and for our health-care system as a whole. We need to take further steps to curb the situation. Thank you to all Manitobans who are following the public health orders, focusing on the fundamentals and choosing to be vaccinated. It is frustrating to be here again but I know we will step up to make these necessary changes, together.”
The orders go into effect on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 12:01 a.m. and expire on Jan. 11, 2022. The updated orders keep the Pandemic Response System at Restricted (Orange) with schools at Caution (Yellow).
All other public health orders remain unchanged. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19