Manitoba considering further loosening of restrictions

Manitoba is considering easing pandemic restrictions for the second time in a matter of weeks.

Premier Brian Pallister and chief provincial health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said some of the new changes could include allowing restaurants and lounges, nail salons, tattoo parlours, gyms, libraries, and places of worship to open with limited capacity.

They would also allows for the possibility of photographers and those in the film industry to resume work.

The province last eased some restrictions on Jan. 23, 2021.

The potential changes are being put to public scrutiny amid flat numbers of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba. Despite the numbers, the province says the red or critical level will remain intact until further notice.

Source: CityNews Winnipeg, YouTube

The amount of people from outside your home who can visit will not be changing, the province says.

“While Manitoba’s COVID cases continue to trend in the right direction, we must not lose sight of the gains we have made and the risks associated with vaccine delays and new COVID variants,” Pallister said in a news release. “We must, and will, proceed with caution to ensure we continue to protect and safeguard Manitoba lives.”

The province is asking for public feedback on the proposed changes.

You can have your say by visiting engagemb.ca.