The Province of Manitoba issued its road-map for recovery from pandemic restrictions. Schools will remain closed during Phase One of the plan. With that in mind here is a look at Phase One beginning May 4th.

Source: Restoring Safe Services Phase One

PUBLIC GATHERINGS
Public gatherings such as social gatherings, worship, weddings and funerals will continue to be restricted to 10 persons.

RETAIL BUSINESSES
Effective May 4, retail businesses, such as clothing and shoe stores, jewelers, tailors, flower shops, sporting good/adventure stores, vaping supply shops, boats dealers, ATV and snowmobile dealers, gift, book and stationery stores, jewelry and accessory stores, toy stores, music, electronic and entertainment stores, pawn shops, pet groomers and similar businesses may reopen if occupancy levels are maintained in order to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders. Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

RESTAURANTS - PATIO/WALK-UP SERVICES
Effective May 4, public food establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, cafes and similar businesses will remain closed, except for delivery, take-out and patio or walk-up food service. Patrons must maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders. Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

HAIR STYLISTS/BARBERS
Effective May 4, hair stylists/barbers may reopen if businesses maintain an occupancy level to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except when receiving services or brief exchanges. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders. Services will be limited to hair washes, cuts, colouring and styling. No other personal services will be allowed. Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

THERAPEUTIC OR HEALTH CARE BUSINESSES
Effective May 4, and at the further direction of their respective regulatory bodies, regulated health professionals, such as dentists, dental hygienists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, optometrists and podiatrists will no longer be limited to providing urgent and emergent care. In addition, individuals who provide therapeutic massage and acupuncture services may resume providing those services. Clients must maintain a distance of at least two metres, except when receiving service or for brief exchanges. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders.

RESTART OF NON-URGENT SURGERY AND DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
In March 2020, a number of non-urgent surgical and diagnostic procedures were postponed as part of the provincial effort to ensure health-system capacity to respond to COVID-19. On April 24, health officials moved to restart elective surgeries and other non-emergent health services. All necessary precautions will be taken to protect staff and patients from the risk of COVID-19 including point of care screening, the use of appropriate protective personal equipment and limiting the number of staff in the room.

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND LIBRARIES
Effective May 4, museums, galleries and libraries may reopen if the organization can maintain an occupancy level to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. All organizations will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders.

OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES AND GOLF COURSES
Effective May 4, playgrounds, skate parks, golf courses, tennis courts, driving ranges and other similar recreation facilities may reopen if people maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square meters, whichever is lower. These requirements will be enforceable under public health orders. Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS, YURTS AND VACATION CABINS
Effective May 4, parks, campgrounds, yurts and vacation cabins may open if people maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. This requirement will be enforceable under the public health order.

DAY CAMPS
Day camps may operate if they maintain occupancy and activity levels that allow people to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. The maximum number of children per site is 16. Overnight camps are not permitted.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Government offices continue to be safe and, unless otherwise determined by management, remain open to staff. Government departments will evaluate changes that were made due to the pandemic to identify those that have created a negative impact on services, and to recommend where unscheduled drop-in services to the public may be reinstated. This phase may include returning employees to the office if public health orders can be upheld, including social distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees who are working effectively off-site may continue to do so. Decisions about working from the office or at home will be made gradually and deliberately, with a focus on productivity and effectiveness and a view towards building a more flexible workforce in the long-term.