The current public health orders in Manitoba, which have been in force since November of last year, have been extended for two additional weeks. They will remain in effect at least until January 22.
During this two-week period, public health officials will monitor for any spikes in infection owing to illegal holiday gatherings that took place in late December.
Already, 355 active cases can be traced back to such gatherings. At a press briefing on Friday, January 8, Dr. Brent Roussin added that more than 1,900 close contacts have been identified as a result of these infections, which is a tremendous cause for concern.
“While we are starting to bend our COVID curve in the right direction, now is not the time to let up,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “These public health orders are necessary to halt the spread of this deadly virus and protect our most vulnerable Manitobans. While we recognize these restrictions are difficult, they require the co-operation and commitment by all Manitobans to make them work. I continue to urge all Manitobans to follow the fundamentals, stay safe at home and limit your close contacts as much as possible.”
Although the public health measures are largely unchanged, the province has made one minor tweak to accommodate professional hockey.
Current orders permit Winnipeg-based sports teams to train in Manitoba, and allow athletes and affiliated officials an exemption to the self-isolation rules. The updated orders extend those exemptions to all professional hockey teams—now allowing games as well as training.
