Over the May long weekend, additional public health orders were put in place to curb the recent surge of COVID-19. It was the most recent in a series of escalations, which began to come into effect four weeks ago.

Today, it was announced that the long weekend restrictions will be extended through to the end of the current week, ending at midnight on Saturday, May 29.

“We need the full participation of all Manitobans in order for these strict public health measures to work so we can bend our COVID curve back down and protect our healthcare system,” says Premier Brian Pallister. “We need Manitobans to do two things—get your vaccine as soon as possible and follow the public health orders.”

Here’s the list of current public health orders which remain in effect:

• indoor public gatherings are not permitted and visitors are not permitted on private property, except in certain circumstances.
• outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are not allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks, and sports fields.
• retail businesses may only operate at 10 percent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is fewer, and 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.
• many businesses and organizations will remain closed for in person service including gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants and bars, personal service businesses, museums, galleries, and libraries.

“Our healthcare system is facing critical pressures, our health-care workers are strained and our public health orders provide clear direction on how to prevent further spread of this deadly virus,” says Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial health officer. “Even if we see case numbers decrease, the hospitalization and ICU numbers are expected to climb in the coming days and weeks which is concerning for all of us. It is crucial that Manitobans continue to follow the public orders and significantly limit their close contacts to we can protect our healthcare system and the Manitobans that are depending on it.”

Roussin and the premier noted that vaccination plays a significant role in reducing transmission of the virus but also the toll on the health-care system. More than 70 percent of current hospitalized patients are unvaccinated.

“For all Manitobans over the age of 12, I urge to book your vaccine appointment right now and your second-dose appointment if you are eligible,” Roussin adds. “Getting vaccinated and following the public health orders are necessary in order to bend our COVID curve back down and eventually get back to doing some of the activities that Manitobans miss right now.”