The Manitoba government intends to ease COVID-19 restrictions starting next week.

Premier Brian Pallister announced today the province is taking a phased approach in gradually restoring services, opening some businesses and increasing recreational opportunities beginning May 4th. Schools will remain closed during Phase One.

"This is not an announcement about a return to normal, not right away," said Pallister. "Things have changed and so the new normal for now and for a long time to come is what we are facing the challenge of addressing."

A variety of non-essential health-care and retail businesses will be able to reopen under strict guidelines and social distancing and stringent cleaning practices will still need to be followed.

Services, businesses and venues include:
• non-urgent surgery and diagnostic procedures;
• therapeutic and medical services;
• retail businesses;
• restaurants – patio/walk-up services;
• hair salons;
• museums, galleries and libraries;
• seasonal day camps; and
• outdoor recreation and campgrounds.

Starting June 1, the province hopes to increase public gathering sizes and reopen more non-essential businesses such as:

• additional personal services, such as nail salons;
• restaurants – dine-in services;
• non-contact children’s sports; and
• film production.

Other phases into the future will include the easing of public health measures and increasing public gathering sizes and allowing some non-essential businesses to fully open. Others may begin to reopen, such as bars, pools and spas, movie theatres and indoor recreational facilities. Travel restrictions may be eased.

Specific considerations for other businesses and sectors may be made including:
• performing arts venues;
• other non-essential businesses;
• tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists and tanning studios; and
• large gatherings/events.

It was noted in the news release issued by the Province mass gatherings such as concerts, summer festivals and major sporting events will not be considered before September 2020.

Pallister applauded Manitobans for doing their part in helping to flatten the curve in this province. "We encourage Manitobans to continue practicing physical distancing and safely enjoy our beautiful outdoors while we continue to move through the phases of this pandemic, together, but at safe distance from one another."