Manitoba leads the nation in COVID-19 infections per capita
Manitoba has been hit with a wave of COVID-19 cases resulting in a record amount of deaths. At an infection rate that is hovering around the 10% margin, Manitoba leads the country in infections per capita.
With the spike in COVID-19 cases, the calls are growing louder for the province’s Minister of Health Cameron Friesen to step down as he has lost the trust of the people. The Health Minister indicated there will be no resignation, but did take some responsibility for how the crisis has been mismanaged.
Today Premier Brian ligand Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced on Thursday, Nov. 12, the province of Manitoba will move to the Critical level (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System to halt COVID-19 transmission and protect Manitoba’s most vulnerable citizens.
“We are at a critical point in our fight against COVID-19, and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable Manitobans and ensure our health-care system is there for Manitobans, when they need it,” said Pallister. “This is a team effort, and we all have a role to play in protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our community. By taking these measures seriously, we are going to save lives.”
The new Critical (red) level restrictions will be in effect provincewide and include:
• Social contacts reduced to your household only. Social gatherings are not permitted.
• Travel to and from northern Manitoba is restricted and non-essential travel is discouraged.
• Retail businesses listed as critical services, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, can remain open at 25 per cent capacity.
• Retail businesses not on the list are able to provide e-service, curbside pickup or delivery services.
• All personal service businesses, including hair salons, barbers and sites offering manicures, pedicures and other esthetic services, must close.
• Gyms and fitness centres must close.
• Religious and cultural gatherings must close or be provided virtually only.
• Restaurants must close to the public and may be open for delivery, drive-thru or takeout only.
• All recreational activities, sports facilities, casinos, museums, galleries, libraries, movie theatres and concert halls must close.
In addition, no changes will be made to child-care services or to kindergarten to Grade 12 education delivery at this time. Roussin noted the province has not seen widespread transmission among children, students and staff.
There are a number of things Manitobans can do themselves to reduce the spread that go beyond the restrictions put in place, Roussin added. These include:
• Reduce the number of shoppers from your household to the lowest possible number. Send only one person to shop.
• Work from home if at all possible.
• Reduce travel unless absolutely essential.
• Remember all those you have come in contact with recently.
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