Manitoba says it will not shift down to the orange phase of pandemic restrictions after spending about 4 months in the red stage, authorities said this Tuesday.
The decision comes after Manitobans gave their recommendations, after mounting concern over the increasing rate of infection with much more transmissible variants and the need for stability in the health sector, officials added.
But there are new changes scheduled to take effect on Friday and include raising the limit imposed on outdoor activities, funerals, and weddings to 25 persons from the current 10. Retail stores will admit 250 more persons from the current limit of 250. This does not exceed 50 percent of the capacity.
This loosening of the limit will not extend to private yards. Current rules on visitation to homes will not change either. The government has said that Manitobans will have to choose either a household or two persons as the people allowed to visit their residences. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed to congregate in private homes and properties.
Other changes include the fact that people can leave their cars as they attend drive-in functions, provided they follow all public health requirements.
Health authorities said that additional charges might be imposed after spring break, Easter, and Passover.
The province also thinks about scrapping requirements for non-symptomatic travelers from other regions who have crossed the border on business missions to self isolates for two weeks.
The province said they will announce additional support to all businesses in the coming days.
The province’s plan to remain in the red phase came a day after Tyler Shandro, Health Minister, and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer, said Alberta would not be shifting into the third stage re-opening plan due to increasing hospitalization cases.
