Manitoba has now reached its first milestone as part of its reopening strategy. As of today, more than 70 per cent of Manitobans have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 25 per cent have received their second dose. Our Premier announced earlier this month that reaching those targets by Canada Day would mean businesses, services and facilities could open at 25 per cent capacity.

Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says more details will be announced on Wednesday as to what this means for Manitoba. However, he says they do not look at only one indicator when taking these things into consideration.

"So yes, we met those vaccine targets, so hats off to the vaccine task force and Manitobans for getting their shots," he says. "But that's only one thing that we're considering when we are looking at our reopen plan."

Dr. Roussin says in addition to the numbers, they must also examine the strain on the health care system. As of today, there are 73 Manitoba patients that are receiving intensive care for COVID-19.

Dr. Roussin adds it has always been very relevant to see what other jurisdictions are doing as part of their reopenings. Because Manitoba was late to the third wave, Dr. Roussin says we are still weeks behind some other provinces.

"So we're going to have to do things that are based on what we're seeing here and where we are and then move forward cautiously," he adds. "But definitely we'll be watching what other jurisdictions do and the successes that they have."

Meanwhile, anyone who received their first dose on or before May 25 is now eligible for their second dose.

While Manitoba's COVID-19 vaccination rate is at 71.2 per cent, most districts in the Central Plains are well below that mark. The vaccine rates for districts in the Central Plains are as follows:

Portage la Prairie 61.5 per cent, Rural Portage 55.9 per cent, North Norfolk 44.8 per cent, Cartier 68.7 per cent, Stonewall 75.1 per cent, Whitemud 69.9 per cent.