Manitoba reduces capacity limits for all public gatherings as Omicron cases skyrocket
CBC
Manitoba is reducing capacity limits for all indoor and outdoor public gatherings in response to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases linked to the highly contagious Omicron variant.
The updated restrictions mean gatherings must not exceed 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space, or 250 people, whichever is less. Just before Christmas, gathering restrictions were slightly more relaxed for people who are vaccinated — they were set at 50 per cent but with no capacity limit.
The updated orders come after Manitoba reported 2,154 new cases of COVID-19 since Christmas Eve, including 785 cases on Saturday, 694 cases on Sunday and 675 cases on Monday.
Christmas Day's case numbers marked the highest single-day increase the province has seen over the course of the pandemic to date.
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer, said at least three-quarters of all cases in the province are linked to the extremely contagious Omicron variant.
"We know we can't rely on some of the reports of Omicron being less severe. With the amount of transmission we're seeing, we're going to see that demand translating into increased demand on the health-care system," Roussin said.
"We need to protect the health-care system for everyone who needs it. All Manitobans need it, which means we need to decrease the amount of transmission we're seeing with Omicron."
The restrictions affect all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including religious gatherings, cultural events, theatres, restaurants, museums and art galleries, sporting and recreational facilities, gyms and indoor and outdoor ticketed sporting events.
Roussin said case numbers could be underrepresenting the true number of Manitoba's COVID-19 infections in light of long lines at test sites and extended waits for results that may have discouraged some people from going to get tested at all.
Manitoba's five-day test positivity rate is 19 per cent as of Monday, up from 12.6 per cent on Friday. In Winnipeg, that rate is 21.2 per cent, up from 14.7 per cent three days ago.
The increased limits are meant to ensure all patrons are properly distanced, Roussin said.
The province is also requiring restaurants and licensed premises to end the sale of liquor at 10 p.m.
The changes will come into effect on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. and will expire on Jan. 11, 2022.
All other public health orders are staying the same at this point.
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