Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reported this afternoon 475 new cases of COVID-19 with a test positivity rate of 14 percent.  He also reported eight additional deaths with four in the Winnipeg Region and two each in Southern Health and Prairie Mountain Health.  Of the new cases 271 are in the Winnipeg region, 124 in Southern Health with lower numbers in other regions including 55 in Northern Health.

             

Roussin introduced new restrictions effective tomorrow until December 11th as some people and businesses are not following the current ones.  He says the new orders will state that no one is permitted into a private residence or property other than those who live there with a few exceptions for essential reasons such as child care, health care and emergencies including your home, cottage or other vacation property.  If someone lives alone they can have one other person into their residence and they may visit that persons home as well.  Gatherings of more than five people at any indoor or outdoor place continue to be prohibited with the exception of health care facilities, schools or critical businesses that are following the orders.

             

Also effective tomorrow no non-essential items can be sold in stores.

 

These retail restrictions apply to businesses that are not addressed in Schedule A of the public health orders. For example, liquor and cannabis stores may continue to open and sell products.

Other essential items are set out by the orders and include:

? food, beverages and food preparation products;

? personal care products such as soap and dental care products;

? health-related products such as prescription drugs and vitamins;

? mobility or assistive devices;

? baby and child-care accessories such as diapers and formula;

? household cleaning products, safety devices, batteries and lightbulbs;

? outdoor winter apparel such as jackets and boots;

 

? personal protective equipment for the workplace;

? pet food and supplies;

? postage stamps;

? cellphones and cellphone accessories;

? parts and supplies for all types of motor vehicles and watercraft;

? major household appliances;

? hunting, fishing and trapping supplies;

? tools and hardware;

? materials for home maintenance, repair or construction; and

? property maintenance products such as shovels.

 

Non-essential items refers to any good and products not set out in the orders. This includes jewelry, flowers, perfume, consumer electronics, sporting equipment, books and toys