New Manitoba public health orders have made mask use mandatory at indoor public places and set out the circumstances where proof of vaccination will be required, which will enable businesses, services and events to be held without capacity limits or public health restrictions as of Sept. 3.
“These orders will inform and guide us as we work to avoid the most serious effects of a fourth wave, and address the threat posed by the delta variant,” said Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin. “By continuing to encourage Manitobans to get vaccinated, and supporting businesses and services as they take the steps to comply with these orders, we can work together to get through these difficult times.”
These orders come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, with some exceptions to provide a short grace period for some sectors.
These new orders include reducing the maximum number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings to 500, down from the current limit of 1,500. This will take effect on Sept. 7 and includes summer fairs and festivals. Fairs and festivals will be allowed to operate above that limit, subject to protocols approved by public health.
Museums and galleries will be allowed to open, but will be required to ask for proof of vaccination from visitors to access indoor areas. This will take effect on Sept. 7.
Wedding receptions held in licensed premises will be subject to the same rules as restaurants and licensed premises, and guests will have to show proof of vaccination. There will be a grace period to Sept. 7 to allow individuals to adjust their plans. Also on Sept. 7, food courts will be required to comply with the same rules as restaurants for dine-in patrons and require proof of vaccination if they choose to open for options other than take-out.
As a reminder, the province has developed new requirements for people to show proof of vaccination to participate in certain events and activities. The following changes have been previously announced, and take effect Sept. 3 for all health regions:
- indoor and outdoor ticketed sporting events and concerts;
- indoor theatre/dance/symphony events;
- restaurants (indoor and patio dining);
- nightclubs and all other licensed premises;
- casinos, bingo halls and VLT lounges;
- movie theatres;
- fitness centres, gyms and indoor sporting and recreational facilities (excluding youth recreational sport); and
- organized indoor group recreational classes and activities, and indoor recreational business.
Children born after Dec. 31, 2009 who are not eligible to be immunized will be able to attend events and activities with a fully-immunized adult.
Roussin notes these public health orders will reduce the need for more stringent public health restrictions and lockdowns that would otherwise be necessary to combat the COVID-19 fourth wave and protect the province’s hospital and critical care capacities.
“We must continue to take steps to encourage people to be fully-immunized before attending higher-risk events, activities and services because we know – and the data is showing us – that when people get vaccinated it helps slow the spread of the virus,” said Roussin. “We must continue to be vigilant and follow the basics, or more drastic restrictions will be needed to keep us all safe.”
Roussin thanked the businesses and organizations that have been taking steps to follow public health orders and urged the public to be patient and supportive of these businesses and their employees.
For more information on how to book a vaccine appointment, visit protectmb.ca. For more information on how to access your immunization card, visit gov.mb.ca.
