COVID-19: Manitoba Limits Public Gatherings to TEN people

Effective today, Monday March 30, 2020 Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Officer of Health has issued an order under s.67  of the Public Health Act prohibiting public gatherings of more than 10 people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises.

It specifically includes places of worship, social gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals.

The order exempts health care and social service facilities, and retails businesses and public transportation facilities so long as social distancing of 1m is maintained between people.

A second part of the order essentially closes restaurants, bars, and theatres except for “hospitality premises” that limit occupancy to the lesser of 50 persons or 50% capacity, food is not served buffet-style and a separation of at least 1m is maintained between people.

Additionally, assembling at bingo or other licensed gaming events is prohibited, and gyms, fitness centres, athletic clubs, training facilities, public pools and wellness centres must be closed.

There is no end date to these orders; however, the declaration of state of emergency that allows for these orders to be issued is valid for 30 days (s.10(4) of the Emergency Measures Act). It was issued March 20, 2020.

Manitoba’s most recent orders can be found here.

Church and charity leaders are invited to share how they are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic within their organization in our online community forum The Green: COVID-19 Response Room.