The Manitoba government extended public health orders for the province Tuesday. Instead of ending Friday, the orders and related restrictions, including rules blocking in-person purchase of non-essential goods, will be extended to Jan. 8.
The extension was announced Dec. 8 in a daily press briefing, attended by Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and Manitoba chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin.
"COVID-19 has handed us new challenges, even greater ones than before. This virus has challenged us to become more resilient, more innovative and more determined than we ever thought necessary. Our number one priority in this pandemic is protecting our most vulnerable Manitobans and ensuring our health care system is there for all Manitobans when they need it," said Pallister.
"It's crucial that Manitobans continue to limit their close contacts, only gather with members of their household this holiday season. That's going to be difficult. That's going to be lonely for many, but the best thing we can do for our loved ones is to stay apart so we can be together in person next year."
Since the last round of restrictions were put in place Nov. 21, Manitoba's rate of active COVID-19 cases dropped from 8,012 Nov. 21 to 5,379 Dec. 8. The number of people with COVID-19 in hospital has rose, but the number of people in intensive care with the disease has dropped.Â
"The existing critical level restrictions will be extended - here's why. Because they're working. They're beginning to make a difference. You're beginning to make a difference. That is critical as we move forward," said Pallister.
The new orders, which will go into effect Dec. 12, will have some minor differences from existing rules. School supplies are now considered an essential item and will be readily available for in-store purchase, as are Christmas and holiday goods and supplies like wreaths, Christmas trees, ornaments, menorahs and others. Drive-in events will be temporarily allowed as long as all attendees and organizers follow all health restrictions. While at drive-in events, each car will only be allowed to have members of one household apiece and nobody will be allowed to leave their vehicles.
Food banks and food hamper services will be allowed to operate and rules regarding access to retail operations will be extended to home businesses. Acupuncture and osteopathy services will be allowed to reopen, along with thrift stores - with capacity limits - also allowed to open their doors once again.Â
While minor, junior, senior and recreational hockey continue to not be allowed, players and staff of the Winnipeg Jets have received the green light to train in Manitoba in advance of this year's NHL season. Health officials explained that COVID-19 prevention measures available to the Jets and other professional sports franchises are more stringent than what minor hockey or other similar organizations can feasibly put in place.
The province also advised that safe outdoor recreation and physical activity is encouraged, as long as gatherings do not exceed five people and people from different households keep at least two metres of distance.
