Health Minister Audrey Gordon has announced COVID-19 related demands on Manitoba’s health system continue to decrease following the fourth wave.  She says this enables Manitoba to return to more normal activities and operations including the resumption of many health services that have experienced delays.  She explained currently more than 500 health care staff have been redeployed across the province and they will begin to transition those individuals back to their former programs and care units.  She noted Manitoba’s provincial COVID-19 Health Incidents Command has developed a phased in approach to resume in services including surgical slates, diagnostic procedures and outpatient or community services.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin added as we move in the right direction they can continue to reduce public health restrictions.  Effective March 1^st the province is removing proof of vaccination and testing requirements for designated public sector employees including education, child care and health care workers. As previously announced proof of vaccination will no longer be required in public places as of March 1^st and mask requirements will be removed on March 15^th.