Winnipeg 
The Manitoba government has announced a multi-phased reopening framework, “Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic Economic Recovery Roadmap” that will see some businesses and services start reopening from May 4.
Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic Economic Recovery Roadmap consists of multiple phases. The timing and specifics noted in each phase are subject to change, based on the advice of public health experts and a continuous assessment of transmission patterns and other factors.
Premier Brian Pallister said, “We applaud Manitobans for doing their part to help flatten the curve and it is thanks to everyone’s tremendous efforts that we are able to announce today a gradual, safe restoration of services and easing of restrictions on businesses, allowing many to reopen, should they so choose. We must remain diligent in maintaining physical distancing and practising good hygiene, but our gradual, leveled approach will help us safely restore our services.”
Premier Brian Pallister says dentists and physiotherapists will be allowed to resume services, and retail stores, hair salons and restaurant patios will be able to reopen — but at no more than 50 per cent capacity.
Campgrounds, museums, libraries and art galleries will also be allowed to open their doors, and all will have to maintain physical distancing among customers.
Travel restrictions and the 10-person limit on public gatherings are to remain in place, but Pallister says the limit may be raised somewhat later in May if the province’s COVID-19 numbers remain low.
A second phase, no earlier than June 1, would see nail salons, dine-in restaurants and non-contact children’s sports allowed.
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, said that mass gatherings such as concerts, summer festivals and major sporting events will not be considered before September 2020.
WHAT WILL OPEN IN MANITOBA FROM MAY 4 – PHASE 1
Critical public health measures and travel restrictions remain. Priority elective surgeries have been restarted, diagnostics screening will resume and some non-essential businesses will reopen but must limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. Services, businesses and venues include:
- schools will remain closed
- non-urgent surgery and diagnostic procedures;
- therapeutic and medical services;
- retail businesses;
- restaurants – patio/walk-up services;
- hair salons;
- museums, galleries and libraries;
- seasonal day camps; and
- outdoor recreation and campgrounds.
The province will continually re-evaluate and adjust plans for further easing of secondary public health measures and may reintroduce others.
Phase Two – No Earlier Than June 1
Critical public health measures and travel restrictions may remain in place. Public gathering sizes may be increased and more non-essential businesses will be considered for reopening including:
- additional personal services, such as nail salons;
- restaurants – dine-in services;
- non-contact children’s sports; and
- film production.
Future Phases
Public health measures may be eased further. Additional guidelines will be developed, public gathering sizes will be increased and some non-essential business will fully open. Others may begin to reopen, such as bars, pools and spas, movie theatres and indoor recreational facilities. Travel restrictions may be eased.
Specific considerations for other businesses and sectors may be made including:
- performing arts venues;
- other non-essential businesses;
- tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists and tanning studios; and
- large gatherings/events.
More information is available here
— With Files From The Canadian Press
