Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister declared aprovince-wide state of emergency this morning.
It will be in effect for 30 days. Towards the end of that period, it will be determined if that timeframe needs to be extended.
That means the government will have greater authority to take actions that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Pallister says the decision was not made lightly.
“We must continue to use every tool available to ‘flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19 on our communities and our health-care system.”
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says that effective 4 pm today, and for the next 30 days, gatherings cannot be more than 50 people including faith-based gatherings, weddings, and funerals. This doesn't apply to health care facilities.
Food stores, grocery stores, shopping centres, gas stations, and pharmacies remain open but must ensure a separation of 2 metres between patrons.
Restaurants and bars can have a maximum of half-capacity, or 50 people, whichever is lower.
Pallister says he has not heard any reports of Manitoba businesses disobeying the directions of the provincial health authority.
Dr. Roussin has ordered the immediate closure of gyms, fitness centres and bingo halls.
“With this declaration, the biggest roles for all Manitobans to play right now, is to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your community. I cannot emphasize this enough – this is the time for action. We must change our day-to-day lives, and think about your role in protecting ourselves and all Manitobans.”
The Families Minister Heather Stefanson also announced a $27.6 million investment to help provide child care to essential front-line workers as they support the province’s COVID-19 response.
At this time the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba remains at 17.
Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 before arriving at a testing site.
For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/coivd19.
