Strict new public health orders to close restaurants, bars, patios, gyms, fitness centres, museums and day camps as well as restrict retail capacity will come into effect on Sunday to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the strain on the health-care system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced May 7.

“Despite having some of the strictest public health restrictions and enforcement measures in the country, Manitoba’s COVID case numbers continue to rise, and this is concerning for all of us,” said Pallister. “All Manitobans must continue to do their part to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community. We recognize the next few weeks will be challenging, but these additional measures are necessary to halt the spread of this deadly virus and protect Manitobans and our health care system.”

The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Sunday, May 9 at 12:01 a.m. for a period of three weeks:
•    outdoor gatherings that include people from multiple households are limited to a maximum of five people;
•    restaurants, bars and patios will close to in-person dining but can still provide take-out and delivery services;
•    gyms and fitness centres will close;
•    casinos remain closed and VLTs will close;
•    museums, galleries and libraries will close;
•    indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings are prohibited;
•    personal services such as estheticians, barbers, salons and tanning salons will close;
•    indoor sports and recreation, including after-school activities, will close;
•    outdoor sports and recreation activities will have a maximum of five participants and organized team games will not be permitted;
•    dance, theatre and music schools will close;
•    day camps will close;
•    retail stores, markets and garden centres will be able to open at 10 per cent capacity, to a maximum of 100 people, and malls will be open to a maximum of 10 per cent of the facility’s capacity; and
•    self-help gatherings will have a maximum of 10 participants.

“Right now case numbers are far too high and the strain on our health system is rapidly increasing,” said Roussin. “I urge all Manitobans to do everything they can to reduce transmission of the virus – follow the orders, stay home as much as possible, reduce the number of contacts you have and wear masks when you are around others from outside your household.”

Roussin noted the announcement earlier today about expanding vaccine eligibility to all adults who are 40 or older will help reduce the risk for Manitobans.

“In May, the Vaccine Implementation Task Force expects to provide more than 300,000 doses of vaccine to Manitobans,” said Roussin. “Make an appointment as soon as you can, because the eligibility will continue to expand in the coming weeks to help protect more people as soon as possible.”

Changes to the orders will be in effect until Sunday, May 30.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Submitted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba

Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon is pleased to announce the Diamond Jubilee Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – currently undertaking a cross-country tour – was installed at the Manitoba Legislative Building on May 3.

Since leaving Rideau Hall in September 2018, the portrait has been on display in St. John’s, N.L., as well as Fredericton, N.B. It will remain on display at the Manitoba Legislative Building until May of 2022. Her Majesty will also celebrate Her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, marking 70 years since her accession to the throne.

This initiative coincides with renovation work being done in the ballroom at Rideau Hall by the National Capital Commission. The tour will allow for more Canadians to see the painting in person, and is meant to honour and pay tribute to Her Majesty’s ongoing and unwavering service. Her Majesty is in support of this project.

The portrait will not be on public display until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, allowing for public tours of the building to resume.

Background information, photos, as well as a time-lapse video of the portrait’s arrival and installation, is available on the lieutenant-governor’s website at www.manitobalg.ca.

The City of Selkirk passed a proclamation recognising the Day of Mourning with respect to those who have lost their lives while at work.

The Day of Mourning was held on April 28 and the City of Selkirk unanimous passed a proclamation in honour of such an occasion at a council meeting held on April 26.

Proclamation – Day of Mourning

WHEREAS  every year, more than 1,000 Canadian workers are killed on the job; and

WHEREAS  thousands more are permanently disabled; and

WHEREAS  hundreds of thousands are injured; and

WHEREAS  exposure to the increasing number of toxic substances in the workplace heightens the risk of illness and death; and

WHEREAS  April 28 of each year …

Selkirk mayor Larry Johannson told the Selkirk Settler Times on April 28 that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, that he would walk with members of the local steal union.

“The police would come with us and lead us and we had flags,” he said.

Johannson said the annual walk on the Day of Mourning was always a special occasion.

“It was a real remembrance to those who passed away in terrible work place accidents,” Johannson said. “We may not be walking right now because of the pandemic, but it doesn’t take anything away from the respect and to stop and think about the people who have passed due to work place accidents.”