Provincial Public Health Orders Extended for Two Weeks with Minor Adjustments

The Manitoba government has extended public health orders from Jan. 8 until Jan. 22, to continue to protect Manitobans and reduce case numbers, test positivity rates and hospitalizations, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced today.

“While we are starting to bend our COVID curve in the right direction, now is not the time to let up,” said 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.”

The existing Critical (red) level restrictions have been extended by public health order with a minor modification to allow exemptions for professional hockey.

Current orders permit Winnipeg-based teams to train in Manitoba, and allow athletes and affiliated officials an exemption to the self-isolation rules. The updated orders will extend current exemptions to all professional hockey teams and to allow games as well as training. Clarifications have been made to ensure all elements of game play (administrative officials, broadcasters, scouts, etc.) are covered in the order. The teams will be required to follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of league members as well as limit the risk to the public.

These changes will be in effect for two weeks while officials monitor possible increases to case numbers as a result of the holidays. Beginning next week, the Manitoba government will be consulting with Manitobans for feedback on potential future changes to the orders, should case numbers allow.

“Already, public health officials have seen more than 355 cases and nearly 1,900 contacts linked to holiday gatherings, and we expect to see higher numbers in the coming days,” said Roussin. “That is why we’re extending the public health orders with a minor adjustment. We need to continue to protect our families and friends by staying home as much as possible.”

The updated orders are posted on the province’s Pandemic Response System website at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/orders/index.html#current.  

Manitoba has announced the Safe at Home Manitoba program to provide support to Manitobans staying home during this critical time. Organizations, businesses and artists can visit www.safeathomemb.ca for more information.
 
Manitobans can report compliance and enforcement issues by visiting www.manitoba.ca/COVID19  and completing the reporting form, or by calling 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) and pressing option three on the call menu.
 
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

(Province of MB Release)