The Manitoba government is seeking feedback from Manitobans on the first steps that can be taken to ease public health restrictions while continuing to balance the needs of the healthcare system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced today.

“We have implemented the strongest public health and enforcement measures in the country to help us shorten the length of the third wave and ease pressure on our healthcare system,” said Pallister. “We need Manitobans to do two things right now – get a vaccine as soon as possible and follow the public health orders. The sooner all Manitobans do those things, the sooner we can get back to doing some of the things we love and miss.”

The province has launched a survey on EngageMB.ca and invites Manitobans to share feedback on their priorities for the potential easing of the current COVID-19 restrictions. The survey builds on previous surveys tracking Manitobans’ fear of the virus and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. It asks for input on what eased restrictions matter most to Manitobans and would improve the quality of life in the province.

This includes identifying priorities between options like gradually expanding retail shopping, reopening barbershops and salons, restaurants, and gyms and fitness centres, and lifting restrictions on non-regulated health professions, faith-based and ceremonial gatherings, and outdoor organized recreation and sport, as well as possible increases to indoor, outdoor gathering sizes on public property and households.

The survey also asks how likely someone would be to get their vaccine if certain restrictions were lifted for only those who are fully vaccinated (two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine).

To provide feedback, visit https://engagemb.ca/restartmb-pandemic-response-system. 

“While our seven-day case average begins to drop and our vaccine numbers increase, our hospitals are still full of Manitobans facing severe outcomes from the virus. It is crucial Manitobans continue to follow the fundamentals so we do not slip back into the high case numbers we were seeing just a few weeks ago,” said Roussin. “At the same time, we can have hope that by getting vaccinated and following the public health orders, easing and eventual end of the restrictions lies ahead and we can get back to some sense of ‘normal.’”

Since April 2020, Manitobans have engaged more than 620,000 times on COVID-19 issues through telephone town halls, online surveys, public opinion research and other engagement opportunities on EngageMB. 

“Throughout this pandemic, we have endeavoured to reach our directly to Manitobans to get their input and feedback on measures designed to protect Manitobans’ lives and livelihoods from COVID-19,” Pallister added. “As more and more Manitobans get vaccinated and we plan for the eventual reopening of our economy and communities, we want to hear from Manitobans what is most important to them and their loved ones. I know Manitobans will step up to provide their feedback as we work together to build a healthier, safer, more prosperous future in our province.”

For more information on Manitoba’s current pandemic response, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.