Manitoba to allow small outdoor gatherings under health order changes
Manitobans will soon be able to gather outside with friends and family, as the province's top doctor announced changes to the public health orders set to take effect this weekend.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, announced the changes to the orders on Wednesday, saying the province is in a position to slowly and minimally ease restrictions.
Under the changes, Manitobans will be able to gather outside in limited groups on public and private property.
Roussin said on private property, people can have up to five visitors in addition to those in the household. He clarified the visitors should be from no more than two households.
Groups gathering in public outdoor spaces, including golf courses, will be limited to five people total.
"These are the only changes that will be occurring at this time," Roussin said, adding all other restrictions remain in place.
Indoor gatherings remain limited to household contacts only, Roussin said.
Retail businesses will remain at 10 per cent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is lower. The rule limiting only one person per household in a business also remains in place.
Restaurant patios are also required to remain closed.
These new orders take effect on Saturday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m., and will remain in place until Saturday, June 26, at 12:01 a.m.
"We're not signalling an opening here. We're just signalling that Manitobans have given up so much – (they) haven't been able to see the people they care about in so long, even outdoors," Roussin said.
He said while the orders allow Manitobans to gather in small groups, he urged people to keep their contacts down as much as possible.
The province recommends physical distancing and mask use in outdoor settings for people from different households.
"We still are going to rely heavily on Manitobans to follow the fundamentals – to follow the spirit of what this represents for these next few weeks."
Roussin said Manitoba does have plans for reopening the province in the near future, but said they rely on lowered COVID-19 case counts and increased vaccination rates.
This is a developing story. More to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.