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On Friday in Manitoba, the most severe restrictions on public health came into effect since the start of the pandemic.
The new sanitary orders prohibit people from having visitors inside their home, with a few exceptions, and prohibit the sale of non-essential products and services in person.
In recent weeks, Manitoba has seen the highest per capita rate of new COVID-19 infections in Canada, as medical wards and intensive care units fill up with patients. The new health orders aim to slow the spread of infections by limiting the opportunities for Manitobans to interact with each other.
The restrictions will remain in effect until at least 11 December.
Many people wrote to CBC Manitoba and commented on stories asking about the new orders. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions.
What can I still buy in person?
Healthcare orders limit in-person purchases to only essential items and services (although other items may still be ordered for delivery or curbside pickup).
The province has detailed lists of what activities are authorized to continue to operate under medical orders, e which products stores can sell.
Non-essential elements include anything that is not explicitly mentioned in Program B of the sanitary order.
“For certain, this includes jewelry, flowers, perfumes, consumer electronics, sports equipment, books and toys,” the order said.
Other broad categories of products, such as clothing, are prohibited with some exceptions. The order allows the sale of outdoor winter clothing and clothing for babies.
Other baby care accessories, such as nappies, wipes, baby bottles, car seats and cribs, can also be sold in-store.
The order allows for in-store sale of food and food products, personal care and health products, household cleaning products, mobile phones and accessories, major appliances, tools and pet supplies, as well as pet products. tobacco, alcohol and cannabis.
With regard to businesses, Annex A of the health order framework which is still authorized to operate. Others have to close.
For example, regulated healthcare professionals, such as massage therapists, can continue to see clients. Unregulated professionals, such as acupuncturists, cannot.
Other essential businesses include those providing housing and financial or communications services, as well as those involved in supply chains, transportation, construction, agriculture and manufacturing.
Who can I have in my home?
In most cases, orders prohibit people from having someone in their home who doesn’t normally live there.
A person living alone can designate another person who is allowed to come to his or her home and can visit the home of a designated person.
For the person living alone, the designated visitor does not have to live alone as well. However, they could not yet visit a house where more people live.
Anyone providing health care, personal care, or cleaning services can also enter a residence. So, for example, a person who visits elderly parents to help with housework or to take care of them in some other way would not violate order.
People can also enter a home they don’t live in if they are a visiting parent or guardian of their children, or if they are there to receive or provide childcare services.
Other exceptions include people who provide mentoring or education, construction and renovation, deliveries, real estate and relocation services, or responding to an emergency.
Can I still see people outside my home?
The major restrictions on gatherings only apply to private residences. Provincial-level public health restrictions, which went into effect on November 12, limit meetings to five people in public places, and the new orders don’t change that.
This allows for small events such as weddings, funerals and baptisms.
It also means that two friends who meet to go for a run, for example, would not violate order.
Officials still encourage people to follow public health advice, such as ensuring physical distances, wearing a mask, covering their coughs and washing their hands frequently.
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