New restrictions for Manitoba as COVID cases on the rise

WINNIPEG (CityNews) – Manitoba is implementing new stricter health measures.

The new restrictions come two weeks after the province previously added new health measures, Manitoba’s chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin says the province’s COVID-19 numbers are on a sharp rise which has forced the sudden change.

WATCH: Dr. Brent Roussin announces provincial health restrictions

“I know that Manitobans have done this before and I know that we’ve been doing this for 14 months, but we need to continue our efforts to keep these numbers down,” he explained, before urging Manitobans to do their part by following the new measures and by taking personal steps to limit close contacts.

As of 12:01 a.m. Sunday, May 9, the province will add the following restrictions:

• Outdoor gatherings will be limited to five people, down from ten. Including household members.
• Retail stores, markets and garden centres will be able to open at 10 per cent capacity, to a maximum of 100 people;
• Malls will be open to a maximum of 10 per cent of the facility’s capacity;
• Self-help gatherings will have a maximum of 10 participants.

Dr. Roussin adding the following businesses will also have to close at the same time:

• Restaurants, bars and patios for in-person dining, but can still provide take-out and delivery services;
• Gyms and fitness centres;
• Casinos remain closed and VLTs;
• Museums, galleries and libraries;
• Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings are prohibited;
• Personal services such as estheticians, barbers, salons and tanning salons;
• Indoor sports and recreation, including after-school activities;
• Outdoor sports and recreation activities will have a maximum of five participants and organized team games will not be permitted;
• Dance, theatre and music schools;
• Day camps;

“We want businesses and organizations to do whatever they can to make it easier for their staff and patrons to practice [all COVID-19 safety measures],” added Roussin.

“We still have hope on our horizon. We’re still vaccinating Manitobans at an increasing pace.”

The restrictions come as Premier Brian Pallister increased the fines for Manitobans that are caught breaking health measures, or for those who are repeat offenders.

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Manitoba announced 498 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death on Friday, bringing the death toll to 987.

The province has nearly 3,000 active cases, with 137 people in hospital and 44 in intensive care.