Manitoba public health officials have acted to the on-going transmission of COVIDE-19 cases by mandating the closure of Winnipeg gaming venues for at least several weeks.
Bars, bingo halls and casinos are included in the temporary shutdown in the effort to stem the tide of the virus’ spread through entertainment venues.
According to Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s Chief Public Officer of Health, the tighter restrictions will still allow restaurants and lounges to remain in operation but with a reduced capacity of fifty percent.
No more than five people can occupy a table or gathering. It was previously capped at ten. Retail stores also must adhere to the fifty percent rule while spectator areas at sporting events will be cut down much lower at twenty-five percent.
The community is facing increasing virus transmission and no doubt much comes from public areas such as restaurants and bars. It is an attempt to curb socializing as much as feasible. The law is clear and will be reinforced.
Winnipeg has stricter rules given its higher case numbers overall, although it has shown a recent drop The province is in the orange-level zone, making masks mandatory in all indoor public places.
As for Ontario, the York area north of Toronto will soon be implementing new standards. Soon Ottawa and the Peel region will follow. Casinos, indoor dining, gyms and related fitness centers are set to close.
In related news, Loto-Québec has temporarily suspended some of its activities in the Montérégie, Centre-du-Québec and Capitale-Nationale regions. It has closed Casino de Charlevoix.
Also facing closures of all entertainment venues are the regions south and northeast of Montreal and the Charlevoix region near Quebec City. The ban includes all outdoor private gatherings.
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