View From the Legislature

As vaccination programs accelerate around Canada, provinces are all engaged in a process of reopening social and economic activities following a difficult third wave of COVID-19 that has stressed the medical system in every province. Manitoba’s third wave was later than in almost any other province and even this week, despite having more than doubled Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity in the province, more than two dozen Manitobans dealing with COVID-19 were in ICU beds in either Ontario, Saskatchewan, or Alberta.

Yet, despite this extremely difficult situation for the healthcare system that has also resulted in thousands of cancelled surgeries, there are signs that the third wave in Manitoba is finally receding. Daily case counts have dropped from an average high of about 480 per day to closer to 200 and the overall hospital situation has stabilized with the expectation that it will improve in the days and weeks ahead, albeit gradually. As well, vaccines are proving to have an impact as there are few Manitobans who are fully vaccinated who require hospital assistance for COVID-19.

With all that in mind, Manitoba recently began its reopening plan. Last weekend small outdoor gatherings were again permitted both in public places and on private property. I know for many, including my own family, the ability to get together in a park or a back yard deck with a few friends or family was incredibly welcomed.

Along with that, a summer long reopening plan was released that provides for greater reopening’s in areas such as gatherings and socializing, travel and tourism, shopping and services and dining out and entertainment. These reopening plans are set to happen in stages on the iconic Manitoba long-weekends of Canada Day, Terry Fox Day (August Long) and Labour Day long weekend. They rely upon certain levels of COVID-19 vaccination rates being met as greater protection against COVID-19 is obtained.

The reopening plan will largely be welcomed by Manitobans but as all things during this pandemic, there will be equal number of people who feel that it goes too far too fast or is too slow and not going far enough. That is reflective of the division that exists these days. But where there is likely little dispute is the reality that everyone has a degree of fatigue and is looking forward to getting these pandemic times behind us. The reopening plans, both in Manitoba and in other parts of Canada, not only provide that path but that hope of a post-pandemic Canada and world.

You can find out more about the Manitoba summer reopening path by visiting manitoba.ca. Information on vaccine eligibility and second dose schedules can be found on the Manitoba COVID-19 site as well. As we look towards greater reopening’s in Manitoba and as small gatherings resume, lets remember to be kind to those around us. All Manitoba summers bring a sense of optimism and renewal, and we especially look to those things during this Manitoba summer.