August 21, 2020
Pandemic Response System Moves to "Restricted" for Prairie Mountain Health
– – –Restrictions on Public Gatherings, Mandatory Masks Coming into Effect: Friesen
Manitoba's public health officials have elevated the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System level for the Prairie Mountain Health region to Restricted (orange) effective immediately, with new measures being put in place help slow the spread of COVID-19, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.
"As part of the new Pandemic Response System, we are able to move quickly with specific, targeted measures for this region," said Friesen. "Based on the recommendations of our public health experts, stronger restrictions are needed to put us back on track in this part of our province."
As of Monday, Aug. 24, masks will be mandatory in all public indoor places and at all indoor and outdoor public gatherings in the region. Public gatherings will also be restricted to 10 people, both indoors and outdoors.
"These new steps are in direct response to the spread of the virus through large, family and other gatherings, which is why we are restricting gathering sizes and mandating masks in all indoor public settings," said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer. "If public health begins to see other forms of transmission, additional steps may be required to contain the spread."
These restrictions will remain in place for a minimum of two weeks. Further direction or additional restrictions may be put in place by public health at any time. Enforcement will begin effective Aug. 24.
As of Aug. 20, there were 235 COVID-19 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region. When considered in combination with a number of other indicators announced as part of the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System, public health officials believe an increased response level is required to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Previous provisions in place for all other sectors in this region remain in place, however public health officials will be closely monitoring the situation should further restrictions be needed. The remainder of the province remains at Caution (yellow).
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Background information attached
Background information attached - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2020/08/BKG-Prairie_Mountain_Restricted-HLS.pdf