New Manitoba Public Health Orders to Combat Omicron Variant

As we move into the holidays, new public health orders have gone into effect this week, and the province indicates that more changes may be on the way as numbers in the province are on the rise. As little as a week ago the province suggested they weren’t planning any significant changes, but as the health situation changed and they began to see indications of community spread of the omicron variant, we saw a rapid change of heart.

Today, December 23, there are 556 new cases in Manitoba - another jump from yesterday’s 400 - and based on numbers from other jurisdictions, the province suggests we may see case numbers climb a lot higher before this wave subsides.

Audrey Gordon, Minister of Health and Seniors Care, and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, deliver the details on the health orders and highlight some of the more significant changes. The health orders are in effect for three weeks, until January 11th.

Many of the changes are related to capacity of indoor events, including events in private homes. It’s the first time since vaccines were implemented that these restrictions have been imposed on the vaccinated, as vaccine effectiveness against the omicron variant is reduced. Capacity for many venues, including restaurants, museums and galleries, and recreational facilities, is down to 50%. Faith-based gatherings across the province have had similar restrictions enacted.

Manitoba schools, now on winter break, won’t return to classes until at least January 10th to allow officials time to assess the spread of the omicron variant and implement any necessary changes, and it may be delayed even longer.

“It’s absolutely frustrating to be here again for all Manitobans,” says Dr. Roussin, ”but we’ve been here before. We’ve stepped up before. We’ve gotten through this. We’ll get through this one. But we need to do so together.”