Southern Manitoba residents celebrating relaxed restrictions for certain communities
Manitoba's current public health orders are being extended for another three weeks, but starting Tuesday, restrictions are relaxing for six municipalities in southern Manitoba, which has residents excited for the change.
On Monday, the province announced that the following communities would be exempt from the cap on retail capacity that’s been mandated for the Southern Health region: Cartier, Headingley, Macdonald, Niverville-Ritchot, St. Francois Xavier and Tache.
"I am pumped. It is one step closer to returning back to normal. So what more can you ask for?” said Kris Dueck, a Niverville resident.
According to the Manitoba government, these exemptions are due to vaccination rates and the proximity of the communities to Winnipeg.
"Considering their vaccine rates are more consistent with that of Winnipeg, as well as their proximity to Winnipeg, the new public health orders will see these select municipalities treated like Winnipeg and the rest of the province," said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, at a news conference on Monday.
After his community was included in tightened health restrictions for the Southern Health region last month, Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck had been petitioning the government for an exception.
"But this time, with it being that we are in Southern Health, where there’s, you know, lower vaccination rates compared to where we are, we didn't think that was right. We said you've done it before, Please do it again,” Dyck said.
The town of Niverville currently has a vaccination rate of 83.4 per cent, just below Winnipeg's 89 per cent, but much higher than Southern Health's 67.8 per cent.
"The province wants municipal leaders to advocate for vaccines, to incentivize people. The decision beforehand kind of usurped the authority of municipal leaders whereas this gives us the authority and we are thankful for that,” Dyck said.
Over at Turning Point Youth Drop-In Centre in Niverville, the relaxed capacity limit is being celebrated.
"It's a huge help to my mind the amount of complications we have to jump through while trying to abide by meaningful regulations but still help the kids that really need it," said Gordon Kroker, director of Turning Point.
This is a sentiment echoed by other Niverville residents.
"I think it is exciting for everyone. Any step in the right direction is always going to be a good step for everybody," said Tyler Hawryluk, a Niverville resident.
The public health orders will be in place until Nov. 16.
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.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
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.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
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.
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.
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.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.