The Manitoba government has replaced the chair of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) one week after the post was vacated over travel controversy.

Forty-three Manitoba Liquor Marts have had controlled entrances installed.

Alcohol sales have been soaring with most Manitobans hunkered down for 2020. 

Employees at Liquor Marts across Manitoba will start wearing face masks while at work this week.

Controlled entrances at select Manitoba liquor mart locations in response to brazen, sometimes violent, thefts are paying off, according to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

Manitoba's Liquor Marts are reportedly in the final phase of rolling out their safety-focused, controlled entrances, with the remaining upgrades to be completed over the next month.

“We are pleased to open the market further by allowing more retailers to apply for retail licences,” said Crown Services minister Jeff Wharton.

Manitoba Liquor Marts are going to begin expanding their hours in mid-May, approximately two months after reducing them due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries said Wednesday it's working to identify casino staff who were working during that time and may have been in contact with the person.

Police say the off-duty officer witnessed the theft at the Liquor Mart on Dakota Street around 5:06 p.m. Sunday.