The Manitoba government introduced Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba's Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery on April 29, 2020. This announcement sets out the province's multi-phased plan to gradually lift restrictions on Manitoba businesses and services beginning on Monday, May 4, 2020.
The province's plan to reopen businesses is now reflected in new public health orders under the Public Health Act (Manitoba), which will remain in effect until terminated (the "Reopening Orders"). Retail and other businesses and services listed in Schedules A and B of the Reopening Orders may open starting May 4 subject to restrictions set out in the orders. The operators of businesses not listed in the above Schedules must remain closed for the period of May 4 to May 31. The Reopening Orders (as updated on May 5) can be accessed here.
The province will be monitoring COVID-19 activity throughout its reopening plan and certain restrictions will be lifted or changed in stages, which will require a period of at least three weeks per stage. If results during or at the end of each phase are unfavourable, the province will not proceed with further easing of public health measures, and may reintroduce others. If results are favourable, the province may consider easing the restrictions on group gatherings as early as mid-May.
A summary of previous public health orders relating to self-isolation and travel restrictions, now extended indefinitely effective April 30, can be found in our Manitoba Issues Public Health Orders Imposing Self-Isolation for Persons Entering Manitoba and Restricting Travel Within the Province blog.
Set forth below is a summary of the province's multi-phased plan.
PHASE ONE
Phase one, beginning on May 4, provides that priority elective surgeries and diagnostic screening can resume. Also, numerous non-essential businesses, mainly in the retail sector, are now allowed to reopen; however, this measure is optional and a business may choose not to reopen at this time.
Retail businesses and services permitted to reopen on May 4 include:
- clothing and shoe stores,
- jewellers,
- tailors,
- flower shops,
- lodges and outfitters,
- sporting good/adventure stores,
- vaping supply shops,
- boats dealers,
- ATV and snowmobile dealers,
- gift, book and stationery stores,
- jewelry and accessory stores,
- toy stores,
- music, electronic and entertainment stores,
- pawn shops,
- pet groomers,
- and similar businesses.
Qualifying retailers planning to reopen are required to limit occupancy levels to 50% of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower, in order to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges.
Generally, restaurants will remain closed except for delivery, take-out and patio or walk-up food service. Patrons will need to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges.
All businesses are required to ensure that their employees use the self-screening tool before attending work and to follow the reopening guidelines specified by the province. For the retail sector for instance, businesses must maintain a single point of entry and they cannot have more than 10 people gathering in common areas.
Individuals and corporations who violate emergency and public health orders may face fines of up to $50,000 or $500,000, and/or six months or up to a year in prison. By-Law Enforcement Officers continue to have the power to issue tickets in the amount of $486 for individuals and $2,542 for businesses.
For further information on sector-specific guidelines for Phase one, including therapeutic or health-care businesses, retail businesses, restaurants, hair stylists/barbers, museums, galleries and libraries, outdoor recreation facilities and golf courses, parks, campgrounds, yurts and vacation cabins, and day camps, please refer to the province's Guide on Manitoba's Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery.
PHASE TWO
Beginning No Earlier Than June 1
While Phase two roll out is conditional on the results of Phase one, the possible measures that could be introduced during this phase include:
Future Phases
During future phases physical distancing measures will remain in place though other public health measures and travel restrictions may be eased based on ongoing public health data and surveillance.
The province may develop additional guidelines and increase public gathering sizes. Certain non-essential businesses would fully open, and others would start to reopen, such as bars, pools and spas, movie theatres and indoor recreational facilities.
The province will not consider allowing mass gatherings, including but not limited to, concerts, festivals and major sporting events, before September 2020.
MLT Aikins will continue to monitor the situation and keep employers appraised of any further details.
This blog was originally published on April 29, 2020.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
