Manitoba has lifted all remaining COVID-19 public health orders and restrictions.
That, officially happened at 12:01 this morning. Prior to today, there were still three public health orders in effect with respect to mask-use, self-isolating and travel to northern Manitoba.
"Thanks to the commitment, compassion and hard work of all Manitobans, particularly our health-care heroes, we are finally in a position to lift restrictions," says Health Minister Audrey Gordon. "This path forward will be different for all of us, whether we choose to wear masks or not, or how and when we connect with family and friends. Let's be patient, thoughtful and kind to each other as we navigate this new normal together."
Even though the public health order for mask-wearing in public places has ended, masks will continue to be required for all individuals attending a health-care facility, including visitors. The province wishes to state that individuals may continue to choose to wear masks in various settings based on their preference, personal risk or other reasons.
Schools and child-care facilities continue to follow public health guidance on mask-use, meaning they will no longer be required for staff or students. Physical distancing requirements and cohorts are also no longer required in these settings.
"We will continue to provide public health recommendations and guidance on COVID-19, but now Manitobans are empowered to make their own decisions about what is right for themselves and their families," says Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin. "We know these restrictions have taken a toll on many people's health and well-being, but we also know that this shift may cause different stress and anxiety for some. This is a process for everyone to take at their own pace and we need to remember to support each other as it happens."
It should also be noted that while Manitoba has lifted all of its restrictions, there are still federal restrictions and mandates in place. That list includes who can and can not board a plane, as well as quarantine requirements for those travelling.
Meanwhile, as of today, Manitoba, including schools, has moved to Limited Risk (Green) under the Pandemic Response System.
As mentioned, the changes which took effect Tuesday morning include:
- public health orders restricting travel to northern Manitoba ended;
- individual case investigations related to COVID-19 will no longer occur and Manitoba will no longer generate key codes for the federal COVID Alert app; and
- public health will no longer require people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate.
Public health continues to recommend people isolate in the following situations:
- people with symptoms should stay home and isolate for five days after symptoms start until they have no fever and other symptoms have improved over the past 24 hours;
- individuals who have tested positive but do not develop symptoms should isolate for five days from the date of the test;
- individuals should wear a well-fitting, well-made mask if they must have contact with other people while ill or when their isolation is finished for 10 days after the onset of symptoms or test date if asymptomatic; and
- people who have symptoms or test positive should avoid non-essential visits with higher-risk people or at higher-risk settings for 10 days after the onset of their symptoms or test date if asymptomatic.