Manitoba is tightening public health orders meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 amid surging case numbers.
At a rare 6 p.m. press conference Friday Manitoba’s chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, said changes will go into effect on Sunday morning and last until at least May 30.

Under the new rules restaurants, bars, and patios will be closed to in-person dining, and gyms, fitness centres, museums, libraries, and day camps will also will be forced to close. Outdoor gatherings that include people from multiple households will be limited to a maximum of five people.

“Right now case numbers are far too high and the strain on our health system is rapidly increasing,” said Roussin said in a government release.

“I urge all Manitobans to do everything they can to reduce transmission of the virus – follow the orders, stay home as much as possible, reduce the number of contacts you have and wear masks when you are around others from outside your household.”

Roussin said restaurants will still be able to provide take-out and delivery under the new rules.

Further changes will see indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings prohibited and personal services such as estheticians, barbers, salons and tanning salons closed.

Retail stores, markets and garden centres will be allowed to remain open, but at 10 per cent capacity, or 100 people, whichever is lower. Malls can stay open with capacity capped at 10 per cent.

For now, schools will remain open, but Roussin said indoor sports and recreation, including after-school activities, will close. Roussin said there would be more information on schools “in the near future.”

Dance, theatre, and music schools, though, will have to close under the new orders, and Roussin said outdoor sports and recreation activities will have a maximum of five participants and organized team games will not be permitted.