Rules & Guidelines for Manitoba Businesses That Will Reopen on May 4

Credit: Oak Hammock Interpretive Centre

The Manitoba government has released its plan for easing restrictions that were put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Premier Brian Pallister says the phased-in approach is to begin Monday and will include some non-essential businesses reopening with strict restrictions.

RULES & GUIDELINES FOR MANITOBA BUSINESSES THAT WILL REOPEN ON MAY 4

All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels.

Businesses must maintain a single point of entry.
No more than 10 people may gather in common areas
Hand sanitizer is available at entrances and exits for public and staff use.
Washrooms have frequent sanitization and a regime for business sanitization is in place.
Cashless or no-contact payment should be used to the greatest extent possible.
Employees must stay home when ill and clients are not allowed entry if they are ill with COVID-19 symptoms.

First Phase

Health officials have already begun working to schedule non-urgent surgical and diagnostic procedures with precautions to protect staff and patients, including screening, personal protective equipment and limiting the number of staff in rooms.

THERAPEUTIC OR HEALTH CARE BUSINESSES

Dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, optometrists and podiatrists are to be allowed to resume services. Businesses providing therapeutic massage and acupuncture are also to resume. Patients to be screened and to wear masks when possible.

Clients must maintain a distance of at least two metres, except when receiving service or for brief exchanges. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders.

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Retail businesses, such as clothing and shoe stores, jewellers, tailors, flower shops, 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 may reopen if occupancy levels are maintained in order to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges.

RESTAURANTS – PATIO/WALK-UP SERVICES

Winnipeg Restaurants Open for Delivery and Takeout

Restaurants and coffee shops to open for patio or walk-up food service. There are strict guidelines about cleaning surfaces, condiments and reusable containers. Delivery to continue.

Patrons must maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges.
No buffet service will be allowed. Food and drinks are delivered to directly to patrons.
Surfaces such as tables, chairs and booths are cleaned between customers.
Table items, such as condiments, menus, napkins and décor, should be removed unless they can be cleaned between customers.
Drink refills are not allowed. Cups, straws and lids should be behind a counter and handed to customers, self-service is not permitted.
Self-service condiments should be removed. Refillable or reusable containers are not allowed.

HAIR STYLISTS/BARBERS

Hairstylists and barbers to reopen if they can provide physical distancing, limit occupancy to half and stagger appointments. Work stations and equipment to be sanitized between clients.

Appointment times are staggered to allow physical distancing, and clients should attend alone, without friends or family.
Equipment, instruments and material that cannot be disinfected between clients cannot be reused.
Magazine racks and toys are removed and play areas in waiting rooms are closed.
Onsite snack bars, coffee bars and other confectionery style counters are closed.
Both service providers and customers may wear non-medical masks, particularly when close touch or contact is involved.

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND LIBRARIES

Museums, galleries and libraries to open their doors but occupancy must be limited by 50 per cent.

Any displays that people touch to remain closed.
Tour guides or sharing headsets not allowed.
Online ticket sales are used where possible.
Sites may adjust to allow for self-guided tours or app-based self-guided tours instead of using shared headsets or live guides.

OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES AND GOLF COURSES

Playgrounds, skate parks, golf courses, driving ranges and tennis courts to reopen.

A maximum of four golfers per group is allowed and one person per golf cart, or two people from the same household. Pins on greens remain in the hole at all times during play.
Public use items, such as ball-washing stations and water fountains, are closed or removed.
Recreation areas, such as dance floors, pool tables and other areas, are closed.
Restaurants must follow same guidelines as other restaurants.

PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS, YURTS AND VACATION CABINS

Parks, campgrounds, yurts and vacation cabins to open.

Visitors must bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as well as wear water shoes or sandals in shower facilities.
Visitors are not to use local health providers unless its an emergency.
Gas up before leaving home;
Pack out what was packed in and leave no trace;
Wear water shoes or sandals while using shower facilities; and
Staff and users may wear non-medical masks.