Tougher restrictions have been announced for Manitoba.

Moments after noting that COVID-19 cases are climbing in all regions of the province, with the exception of Northern Health, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced new measures targeted only for Southern Health.

Beginning Saturday, November 13 at 12:01 am, religious gatherings in this region will be limited to 25 persons unless the facility can physically divide their space into separate areas, in which case there can be several cohorts of 25 people. The total number of attendees can not exceed 25 per cent capacity to a maximum of 250 people.

Dr. Roussin says these cohorts must be separate and can not mingle in any way. Individuals must wear masks at all times, and distancing rules will apply. Again, this applies only to Southern Health, with the exception of those municipalities considered part of the Capital Region, including such places as Ritchot, Niverville, Tache, Headingley, McDonald, Cartier, and St. Francois Xavier.

Manitoba's top doctor says religious services that are restricted to fully immunized individuals and those under the age of 12 who are not eligible to be vaccinated, can still meet without capacity limits.

The other restriction announced Friday morning relates to youth sports. Dr. Roussin says due to the climbing case counts in our province in the 0-19 age group, they have announced new restrictions province-wide. He explains that proof of at least one dose of vaccination or a recent negative test will be required for the 12 to 17-year-olds for indoor recreation sports. Dr. Roussin says they are allowing a grace period to allow sufficient time for people to make decisions. This restriction will take effect on December 5th.

Dr. Roussin explains these rapid test results will be required, similar to what is expected of health care workers. Proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours will be required before a child appears at the recreation facility if that individual is unvaccinated. Dr. Roussin says negative tests need to come from participating pharmacies and will not be done at publicly run testing sites.