Southern Health headed for code red restrictions

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This article was published 06/11/2020 (1718 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Southern Health region, which stretches from Piney to Gladstone, will be under code red restrictions starting Monday, owing to escalating COVID-19 case counts.

Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced the measures Friday.

“Extending these restrictions to the southern region of our province will help slow the community spread of COVID-19 and ensure our health-care facilities can continue to provide the services Manitobans need during this challenging time,” Roussin said in a press release.

The elevated restrictions arrive after new outbreaks in four Steinbach long-term care homes and a general increase in active cases in the region.

The red or critical restriction level is the highest tier on the province’s colour-coded pandemic response system.

Businesses and recreation facilities must operate in a noticeably different way under the highest level of restrictions.

Bars and restaurants will be closed except for takeout and delivery, and most retail will be reduced to 25 percent capacity.

Roussin encouraged businesses in the region to have staff work from home when possible.

Masks are mandatory at gym and fitness centres, where capacity will be reduced to 25 percent. Movie theatres are to close.

Health care will be noticeably different too.

In-patient visitation to hospitals and health centres will be suspended, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis for patients receiving end-of-life care, in labour and delivery, or in pediatrics.

Designated family caregivers may continue to visit personal care homes but general visitation may be suspended, with exceptions for end-of-life care. General visitation in designated visitation shelters will be implemented once the shelters are operational.

Urgent and emergency surgeries, procedures, and diagnostic services will continue.

Failing to comply with provincial public health orders can result in a $1,296 fine for individuals or a $5,000 fine for corporations.

The transition from orange to red restrictions also means entire households must isolate if any member is symptomatic or awaiting test results. Symptomatic individuals should stay in their own room and, if possible, use their own bathroom and avoid common areas of the home.