This story will update as the press conference continues.
Manitoba’s Phase 3 reopening plan amid the coronavirus pandemic will start Sunday, June 21.
Read the plan here:
Phase 3 includes allowing public gatherings of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors so long as people can stay two metres apart.
Interprovincial travel between Manitoba and western provinces, up to west of Terrace Bay in Ontario, no longer requires a two-week self-isolation period.
Terrace Bay is about 220 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.
Premier Brian Pallister said he wasn’t sure how Terrace Bay was chosen but said it was likely due to low case numbers.
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Child-care facilities can open to full capacity and retail occupancy limits will be removed.
Bars and restaurants can open to full capacity, a change from the draft plan, which previously said they could open to 75 per cent capacity.
“Bars, beverage rooms, micro-brewers and similar businesses must continue to implement measures to ensure that members of the public are seated at a table, and are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges,” reads the plan.
“Standing service is not allowed. Dance floors are to remain closed.”
There will be no more people hired to monitor and ensure businesses are complying with the rules, said Pallister, adding that they have not handed out many tickets.
The province says further opening of pools, spas, fitness clubs and gyms will be considered in the coming weeks.
Changes to the draft plan were to be finalized over the past week.
Pallister said should public health deteriorate, phases may be scaled back.
Health officials announced two new probable cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, bringing the province’s total to 306.
Provincial officials asked for input from Manitobans on the draft plan of Phase 3 earlier in June.