Manitoba takes cautionary approach to loosening restrictions further

The Manitoba government has announced that due to a rise in variant cases, the province will be taking a more cautious approach in its next Heath Order, stepping back from some of the proposed changes it announced as being considered last Thursday.

As of March 26, 2021, only a few restrictions have been amended as part of Manitoba’s reopening strategy:

• Retail capacity limits have now been set at 50 percent of fire code or 500 customers, whichever is lower – an increase to the previous maximum of 250.
• Increasing gathering limits at outdoor public places from 10 to 25 people.
• Increasing gathering limits at weddings, funerals and other gatherings to 25 people.

Stores are reminded to maintain strict adherence to all safety requirements that remain in effect, and are encouraged to continue to promote online shopping, curbside pickup and delivery, as strategies to support greater social distancing.  

Additional considerations that were being proposed, such as the reopening of movie theaters, expansion of organized indoor sports, and relaxation of seating rules at restaurants will not be considered until following Easter weekend.

The new Health Order will be in place until April 15, 2021, however, it could potentially be updated sooner. For more information, contact John Graham, Director of Government Relations (Prairie Region), at jgraham@retailcouncil.org