Beginning Monday, Northern Manitoba will be under new COVID-19 restrictions as we continue to see a rise in positive cases in the region.

Under the new orders, the maximum sizes of gatherings will be reduced to five people, casinos and bingo halls must close, and the max occupancy at retail stores, restaurants, and personal service businesses will be at 50 per cent.

Additionally, everyone in the region will have to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces, practice physical distancing, hand washing, and cough etiquette; and follow public health guidelines on travel and self-isolation.

Schools in the north will also be under additional restrictions starting on Monday, as K-8 students may be offered temporary remote learning to create more space, extracurricular activities will only be allowed if all the distancing requirements are met, indoor choir and the use of wind instruments are not permitted.

All the restrictions going into effect next week will last for minimum of two weeks and could be extended depending on the situation, and more info can be found on the Government of Manitoba’s COVID-19 webpage.