The provincial government announced its finalized plan on June 17, after consultation with public health officials, members of the public, and industry. Phases one and two of the province's Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba's Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery saw many businesses and services reopen to the public in some capacity while respecting public health precautions and restrictions.

Though Manitoba will soon be entering phase three, if the public health indicators and results or guidelines demand it, certain measures may be further eased, restricted or re-introduced.

The following sections will outline the most significant changes to be implemented effective June 21, which are in addition to the existing measures and changes introduced in previous phases and subject to new public health orders.

Businesses are encouraged to review the detailed public health guidance available here.

Public Gatherings

Indoor public gathering sizes will increase from 25 to 50 people, and outdoor public gathering sizes will increase from 50 to 100 people, subject to individuals reasonably maintaining separation of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. This change applies to social gatherings, worship, weddings, funerals, powwows and other Indigenous cultural spiritual events, and faith-based and other cultural gatherings. Organizers and members must follow the public health guidelines for the venue in which a gathering is being held.

Larger group gatherings will be permitted where distinct groups of 50 or 100 persons can be separated from other sub-groups. Sub-groups must be divided into groups of 50 or fewer people for indoor gatherings, and 100 or fewer people for outdoor gatherings. In both cases, the maximum group size cannot exceed 30 per cent of the site's normal capacity. While some outdoor venues may have defined capacity, others may require the use of a "reasonableness" standard or 30 per cent of prior capacity at an event. Sub-groups must maintain adequate physical distancing from other sub-groups at all times and must be able to arrive, depart and participate in gatherings without co-mingling with other sub-groups.

Guidelines have been developed for specific sectors, faith-based gatherings and Indigenous cultural and spiritual events, and can be accessed here.

Self-Isolation and Northern Travel Restrictions

The province will be easing certain self-isolation and northern travel restrictions during phase three. Effective June 21, individuals entering Manitoba from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and northwestern Ontario (defined as west of Terrace Bay) are no longer required to self-isolate for 14 days and are now also permitted to travel directly to parks, campgrounds, cabins, lodges and resorts north of the 53rd parallel in Manitoba. Travellers must be asymptomatic and have no known exposure to COVID-19. For more information relating to the Self-Isolation and Northern Travel restrictions, see our blog here.

Additional Measures:

Phase three also includes the implementation of the following measures, subject to public health and physical distancing requirements:

  • Removing occupancy limits for retail businesses
  • Removing occupancy limits for restaurants, bars, beverage rooms, brew pubs, microbreweries and distilleries
  • Removing occupancy limits for all health professionals and therapeutic or health care businesses
  • Child-care centres can return to regular licensed capacity
  • Self-isolation exemptions for professional sports and film production industries
  • Introducing new guidance for indoor recreation and amusement centres
  • Reopening permanent outdoor amusement parks
  • K-12 schools actively planning for fall reopening
  • Post-secondary institutions and vocational colleges actively planning for fall reopening
  • Increasing day camp group sizes to 50
  • Increasing community/service centre indoor occupancy levels
  • Increasing senior centre/club indoor occupancy levels

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. Tickets can also be issued in the amount of $486 for individuals and $2,542 for businesses.

Originally published 18 June, 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.