Manitoba unveils reopening plan to have 'One Great Summer'
Manitobans now have something to look forward to this summer as the province announced its reopening plan on Thursday.
The plan, known as “4-3-2-One Great Summer,” will see more openings and fewer restrictions starting on Canada Day, depending on immunization levels.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, said this plan will help Manitoba move into a post-COVID world, but he noted this will not be the same as a pre-COVID world.
The plan focuses on four reopening categories, three summer holiday milestones, and two public health responsibilities according to Roussin.
The reopening categories are gathering and socializing, travel and tourism, shopping and services, and dining and entertainment.
The holiday milestones are Canada Day, the August long weekend, and Labour Day, while the two public health responsibilities are getting vaccinated and following public health orders.
Roussin said Manitobans getting vaccinated is paramount to ensure this reopening plan works and the province has set vaccine targets for the three holiday dates.
The province will move ahead with step one of reopening if 70 per cent of Manitobans 12 and older have received their first dose and 25 per cent have received their second dose by Canada Day.
Step two will start if 75 per cent of Manitobans receive their first dose and 50 per cent get their second dose by the August long weekend.
The third step will begin if 80 per cent of Manitobans receive their first dose and 75 per cent get their second dose by Labour Day.
If the targets are met by these dates, it could lead to businesses opening at 25 per cent capacity or greater by Canada Day, 50 per cent or more by the August long weekend, and limited restrictions by Labour Day.
Roussin said there is a reason why this plan doesn't include what specific businesses would be able to reopen as it gives the province some flexibility.
"The goal is that if we get these vaccine targets, we can start moving forward with these types of openings with these capacity limits, fairly broadly," said Roussin.
Premier Brian Pallister said he thinks this plan provides hope for everyone in the province.
"(It) is not that far away and I think that's going to be exciting to our small business community and we'll continue to offer as much support, both during this pandemic and in the recovery period, just as we did last year," said Pallister.
Pallister added while the targets are guidelines for the province, there is a chance to speed up the process if Manitoba hits the targets sooner. However, the opposite can happen as well.
"If we do worse, then we are not going to get our freedoms back as fast,” he said. “If we do better, then we might get them back faster. It is as simple as that."
Roussin said public health will continue to monitor the situation in the province as the summer progresses and make decisions that are best for Manitobans.
"The goal is to get to a post-pandemic Manitoba where we have public health recommendations and not restrictions,” said Roussin.
Both Roussin and Pallister said they hope the plan will be able to save the summer for Manitobans and start a path to a new normal.
The plan can be viewed below.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.