Manitoba non-essential stores to close

UPDATE DEC 8: Manitoba has extended the public health orders until January 8, 2021 with minor adjustments. More information.

See RCC’s COVID-19 Requirements chart for currently updated information.

UPDATE NOV 19: Manitoba has restricted in-store shopping to essential goods only and prohibited all other items effective Friday, November 20, 2020. More information

UPDATE NOV 12: The public health order has been released and is available here.

All Manitoba non-essential retailers to close. All other retail to 25% capacity beginning Thursday, November 12, in urgent emergency action

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has announced what has been considered a last resort decision to require the closure of non-essential retail stores across the province, as active cases soar, and the health system reaches capacity.

All retailers may continue to sell online and offer curbside pickup or delivery, however as of Thursday, November 12, 2020 only retailers defined as “essential” may continue to operate. The restrictions are likely to be in place for four weeks, or two incubation periods.

Manitoba “essential” retail definition

All retail businesses on the Manitoba government list of critical services remain open at 25% capacity, (not including employees):

• A business that provides, either by wholesale or by retail sale, food or household consumer goods necessary for the safety, sanitation or operation of residences and businesses. Such a business includes: a grocery store, supermarket, convenience store, butcher shop, bakery, market, hardware store and any other similar wholesale or retail business.
• A business that provides personal protective equipment or protective clothing for use in the workplace.
• A business that provides essential goods and services for the health and well-being of animals, including animal feed, pet food, and animal supplies.
• Gas stations and fuel companies.
• A business that provides office supplies and services. The supplies and services include computer products and related repair and maintenance services for businesses and for individuals working from home.
• A business that holds a retail liquor licence or a retail cannabis licence.

Please contact John Graham for any specific clarity or concern as we will be working through specific issues continuously with government officials.

Other businesses and announcements

• Restaurants closed for in-store dining , gyms and movie theatres must close across the province. 
• Presently there is no change to schools.
• Gathering sizes have been reduced to members of your household only.

Manitoba Bridge Grant program

The Manitoba government has also announced the Manitoba Bridge Grant, that will provide an immediate one-time payment of $5,000 to small and medium-sized businesses that have been directly ordered to close on November 12, 2020.  The new Manitoba Bridge Grant application portal will be live Monday, November 16, 2020 through www.manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2020. For more information, contact John Graham, Director of Government Relations (Prairie Region), at (204) 918-3353 or jgraham@retailcouncil.org