In the last week, it’s become clear that Manitoba’s COVID-19 case numbers have begun to stabilize—but the goal is still to reduce those numbers. The provincial government has therefore announced that the current public health orders will be extended until January 8, 2021.
This means that Manitobans will not be allowed to gather during the holiday season, as has been widely expected.
“It is crucial that Manitobans continue to limit their close contacts and only gather with members of their immediate household in order to bend our COVID curve down and protect our most vulnerable friends, families and communities,” says Premier Brian Pallister. “We recognize this holiday season will be difficult and lonely for most, but the best thing we can do for our loved ones right now is to stay safe at home so that we can gather together, in-person next year.”
A few modifications to the public health orders have been made, based on feedback from the public, stakeholders, and enforcement officials.
Notable among the changes is that the province will allow drive-in events, including at churches. The province has said this is a temporary allowance and that these events will be monitored. If evidence emerges that these drive-in events aren’t being carried out safely, they could once again be prohibited.
The full list of modifications to the public health orders include:
• allowing thrift stores to open with some capacity limits, to allow access to second-hand clothing and other items.
• ensuring acupuncture and manual osteopathy practices are allowed to open to align with other health services.
• clarifying the operation of food banks and food hamper services.
• allowing private residences to allow legal services, landlord access and access for home businesses.
• encouraging safe outdoor physical activity for individuals and immediate households only by providing guidance to clarify that people not from the same household need to keep two metres of distance between them and that gathering sizes must not exceed five people.
• adding school supplies as an essential item under the restrictions to retail services.
• allowing drive-in events as a temporary measure subject to compliance with the restrictions, and cars must contain members from one household only and no one may leave the car while at the event.
• permitting the Winnipeg Jets to train in Manitoba in preparation for an eventual NHL decision on a 2021 playing season.
A seasonal change to the order will also be included to allow for the sale of holiday decorations such as garlands and ornaments, and religious items like menorahs and candles.
“Our modelling has shown the Critical level, or red, restrictions have helped us avoid even higher case numbers right now,” says Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial health officer. “But our numbers are still too high and now is not the time to let up. That is why we’re extending the public health orders with some adjustments to ensure Manitobans can access the goods and services they need, and have clear direction stay safe at home before and during the holiday season.”
