Manitoba’s chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin speaks during a COVID-19 briefing at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg on Aug. 27, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
WINNIPEG — New public health measures are being introduced ahead of the long weekend as Manitoba recorded a single-day high for new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.
As of Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m., the following restrictions will take effect:
• Outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are no longer allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields
• Only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some exceptions, such as a single parent with children, or someone who requires a caregiver
The new measures, which will run until Wednesday, May 26, are aimed at reducing gatherings and ensuring people stay at home.
Manitoba already bans most social gatherings at private residences and has closed indoor dining at restaurants and food courts.
People who live alone are still permitted to see their one designated person both indoors and outdoors.
“We are still seeing case numbers in our province that are far too high,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “I know it is tough for us all when we have to tighten restrictions, but everyone needs to understand that we are at a critical point with this virus. We are seeing more and more people in ICU, especially younger people. We need to lower these case numbers. This long weekend is not the time to gather with friends.”
Manitoba’s intensive care units are at capacity as COVID-19 case numbers soar in the province. Three patients were flown 600 kilometres to Thunder Bay, Ontario earlier this week for care as Manitoba’s hospitals continue to be stretched thin.
Watch Thursday’s media briefing:
