Phase 2 of Manitoba's Reopening Plan Starts on June 1

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Phase 2 of Manitoba’s reopening plan will begin on Monday, June 1, 2020.

Phase 1 started on May 4, 2020 which allowed non-essential businesses and restaurant patios to reopen. The public did an amazing job social distancing and continuing to flatten the curve during phase 1. Please continue the great work throughout phase 2.

Restaurants (Effective June 1)

Change: Indoor capacity allowed at 50 per cent of site capacity.

Occupancy limits of 50 per cent of normal business levels remain, as long as tables and seating are arranged so that there is at least a two-metre separation between persons sitting at different tables.

Restaurants may reopen patios and indoor spaces at 50 per cent capacity, as long as tables and seating are arranged so that there is at least a two-metre separation between persons sitting at different tables.

Restaurants must implement measures to ensure that members of the public when not seated are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges.


Bars, Beverage Rooms, Brew Pubs, Micro-Brewers and Distilleries (Effective June 1)

Change: Patios and indoor spaces are allowed to operate at 50 per cent of site capacity.

Bars, beverage rooms, micro-brewers and similar businesses may operate patio service at 50 per cent of seating capacity and may reopen indoor spaces at 50 per cent capacity, as long as tables and seating are arranged so that there is at least a two-metre separation between persons sitting at different tables.

These businesses must 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. Standing service is not allowed.

Dance floors and other common activity areas, such as pool tables, dartboards and video lottery terminals are to remain closed.

Outdoor Drive-in Events (Effective June 1)

Religious organizations, other organizations and drive-in movie theatres may hold outdoor events without limitation on numbers if people stay in their vehicles, or stand outside on the left side of their vehicles, as long as the windows of the vehicle next to them are closed and as long as people remain two metres apart at all times.

The following guidelines should be followed by patrons, volunteers and staff:

  • Physical distancing must be observed at all times when outside the vehicle for essential purposes, such as to use the washroom, with a minimum of two metres between individuals when outside of their vehicles.
  • Vehicles must be separated by a minimum of two metres.
  • Windows and sunroofs may be open; doors and trunks should remain closed.
  • Only individuals from the same household may occupy the same vehicle.
  • If staff or volunteers are required to have contact with any equipment (e.g. speaker), the equipment must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
  • Access to washroom facilities must be limited to no more than 25 people at one time.
  • Where washroom access is provided, frequent cleaning and disinfection must take place before, during and after the service.
  • Physical distancing of two metres must be maintained for those waiting for washroom facilities.
  • Food/concession services that are provided should follow applicable restaurant guidelines.
  • Where possible, payments should be accepted through contactless methods.
  • All other services and common areas must be suspended, including picnic areas and play areas.
  • Employees must have access to soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for hand hygiene, as well as appropriate cleaner and disinfectants.
  • Employees and volunteers are required to stay home if they are sick or symptomatic.
  • Patrons should be reminded that anyone who is feeling sick or symptomatic must remain at home, even if they stay in their vehicle at all times.

Public/Private Swimming Pools, Splash Parks, Spas, Fitness Clubs, Gyms and Training Facilities (Effective June 1)

Change: Sites may reopen with capacity limitations.

Public/Private indoor and outdoor swimming pools (private residential pools are not restricted), spas, fitness clubs and gyms may reopen if they implement measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges. These sites are required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.

Splash pads operated by municipalities will be allowed to open if measures are in places to ensure compliance with occupancy requirements. Parents/caregivers watching children must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from each other, except for brief exchanges.

Group lessons may restart and locker rooms and showers (for pool facilities only) may reopen if people maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. These sites are required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. Any of these facilities affiliated with a professional sports team may not be open to the public.

The following guidelines should be followed by patrons, volunteers and staff:

Gyms/Exercise/Training Facilities, Pools and Rinks

  • Patrons at higher risk of serious illness may consider waiting to return to these facilities.
  • Each facility should have a site plan for procedures.
  • Guidelines for facility entry include:
    • managing entry points to maintain physical distancing and ensure staff are present to control access. Discourage congregation within the facility;
    • using a booking system to reserve a block of time in advance, with time for cleaning and disinfecting of equipment by staff between blocks;
    • discouraging drop-in use. Establish measures to avoid groups congregating at entry for start times for classes/general use;
    • using contactless forms of payment; and
    • screening all patrons for symptoms and exposures using the screening posters or the online screening tool.
  • Guidelines for exercise spaces and equipment include:
    • ensuring signage is posted for physical distancing and instructions on cleaning equipment;
    • making hand hygiene stations available at entry and throughout facility;
    • not offering towel services.
    • cleaning equipment before and after using it. Ensure instructions and mechanisms in place for patrons to clean equipment safely. Gym staff should ensure thorough cleaning between blocks of gym use; and
    • increasing space between machines (or block off every other machine) to stay at minimum two metres apart.
  • Guidelines for pools include:
    • limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one personper 10 square metres of pool surface area, whichever is lower.
    • closing saunas and steam rooms and only opening hot tubs if they can comply with guidelines of one person per 10 square metres;
    • ensuring signage is posted for physical distancing;
    • using staggered entry times for different groups; and
    • separate staff monitoring physical distancing and capacity in addition to lifeguards (if present).
  • Guidelines for locker room/washroom facilities include:
    • encouraging individuals to shower at home and limit use of locker area;
    • removing any common use items from locker rooms;
    • posting signage for guidance on shower area use to maintain physical distancing;
    • if locker rooms are used, consider modifying their use in order to maintain physical distancing.
    • making a disinfectant spray or wipes available for participants to disinfect locker contact surfaces before and after use; and
    • ensuring enhanced and frequent cleaning and disinfection of locker rooms, as this will be required.
  • Guidelines for group classes include:
    • continuing to offer virtual classes or training where possible;
    • allowing group exercise classes if physical distancing of one participant per two square metres is maintained throughout the class;
    • allowing adequate time to disinfect equipment and surfaces before each class; and
    • not using shared equipment unless able to disinfect between users. Equipment that is difficult to clean, such as foam rollers and yoga blocks, should not be used.
  • Close group sports areas/courts that are not able to comply with guidelines for recreational sports.
  • Food service should follow restaurant guidelines.
  • Close customer self-serve drink stations, water dispensers, and water fountains, unless able to disinfect between use. Ensure other options available for water for patrons. Staff can fill drink orders, but must not refill a used cup. Encourage patrons to bring their own bottled water.

Child Care Services (Effective June 1)

Change: Groups can increase to a maximum of 24 children plus staffing.

Centres can consider accommodating a single room group of up to 24 children plus staffing or more than one grouping of 24 children plus staffing in multiple and separate rooms, provided each group has separate entrances/exits, and/or staggered drop off schedules from a common facility entrance, and will not be congregating in a larger common space. Families who have accessed a child care space under the temporary child care program as a critical service worker or as part of the re-opening of the economy will not be displaced from their placement until full resumption of child care services.

Schools (Effective June 1)

Change: Facility use at schools permitted.

Classroom learning will remain suspended for the remainder of the school year. However, schools are now open for staff and specific programs. As well, students will be able to meet with teachers for the purpose of assessment and planning for the resumption of classes in September.

Occupancy must be based on maintaining physical distancing of two metres/six feet in individual rooms, with no more than 25 people per room. Directives from Manitoba Education and guidelines developed in concert with public health officials will provide any additional guidance. Limited access to school facilities will continue to be permitted in settings where physical distancing can be maintained, including:

  • Teachers and students may meet in small group or one-on-one settings to conduct student assessments, provide clinical supports, administer recovery and remedial learning plans and provide therapeutic services.
  • Day camps and summer programming may operate.
  • Scheduled students can access school Wi-Fi and/or computer equipment.
  • Counselling access and emergency phone access may be provided for students.
  • The use of outdoor facilities and playgrounds is encouraged.

Remote learning continues but will wind down throughout June as student assessment and transition planning begins. This planning may be done remotely or in person depending on local needs and individual considerations.

Sports, band and other extra curricular activities can resume in school settings, and will need to follow physical distancing and other public health guidelines for those activities. Choirs or musical theatre activities will not be allowed, due to a higher risk of transmission through singing as compared to speaking.

For use of schools during day camps, summer programming and library use, the maximum number of children permitted per site is 24. However, multiple groups of 24 can be segregated to prevent contact throughout the day with other groups through the use of separate exits, staggered drop-off schedules and by monitoring access to the facility to avoid congestion.

A separate entrance to the facility or staggered hours should be established for each limited use purpose wherever possible. Washrooms and lunchrooms must have frequent sanitization and should be monitored to ensure appropriate physical distancing. Close water fountains that are not touchless or can’t be cleaned between users. Sharing of items, including food and drink containers should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. Students must bring their own lunches or provided lunches must be individually wrapped in disposable containers.

To ensure students safely and effectively transition to the new school year on a solid foundation, additional teaching days are proposed for the upcoming school year, including starting schools on August 31st, 2020 and re-purposing some of the non-instructional days throughout the school year. The department will continue planning and consulting with school divisions and other education stakeholders.

Day Camps (Effective June 1)

Change: Group size increased to 24

Day camps may continue to operate if they maintain occupancy and activity levels that allow people to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. The maximum number of children per group is 24. Choirs or musical theatre activities will not be allowed, due to a higher risk of transmission through singing as compared to speaking. Overnight camps are not permitted in Phase Two.

Post-Secondary Institutions and Vocational Colleges (Effective June 1)

Change: Facilities may reopen to provide limited instruction

Post-secondary institutions and vocational colleges may provide learning in settings where learning and/or research requires hands-on experience. Examples may include, but are not limited to, laboratories, studios, trades instructions and practicums.

Facilities may also open for staff, students and specific programs such as senior undergraduate/ graduate level courses. However, the maximum number of individuals permitted per class/lab/site (including both staff and students) is limited to 25 so long as physical distancing is feasible.

Universities and colleges are each carefully considering opening for the fall term based on their ability to meet the physical distancing requirements and other important practices to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. Planning for the fall intake is currently underway.

Facilities may also open for staff, students and specific programs (such as senior undergraduate/graduate level courses). However, the maximum number of individuals permitted per class/lab/site (including both staff and students) is limited to 25 so long as physical distancing is feasible.

The following guidelines should be followed by both staff and students:

  • Maintain a minimum two-meter separation between individuals, except for brief exchanges. Appropriate facility/institution specific guidance should be developed for situations where close contact can not be reasonably avoided. Refer to the workplace guidance for businesses website for more information.
  • Each facility should have an operational plan to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Plans should include procedures for dealing with a staff or student who becomes ill while at the facility.
  • Staff and students must use the self-screening tool before attending the facility, and shouldstay home when ill.
  • Offer virtual instruction as much as possible, where practical.
  • Stagger timing and location of courses, laboratories, studios and practicums to segregate and prevent contact with other groups.
  • Use separate exits and consider other creative solutions to discourage congregation.
  • Staff and students at higher risk of serious illness may consider waiting to return to these facilities.
  • Develop accommodations for students and staff who are at higher risk of more severe COVID-19 disease.
  • Hand hygiene stations should be placed at the entrance and strategically throughout the facility and at minimum, all individuals should be directed to clean their hands upon entry and upon leaving the facility.
  • Provide staff and students information on social (physical) distancing. Indoor facilities must post signs indicating physical distancing guidelines. Space out study areas.For sports and recreational activities, refer to guidance on these types of activities for more details in developing activity specific plans for the facility.
  • Limit staff to only those essential for the task.
  • Close water fountains that are not touchless or can’t be cleaned between users.
  • Ensure enhanced cleaning of washrooms and high-touch surfaces.
  • Ensure enhanced cleaning of instructions settings, such as laboratories, studios and classrooms. Equipment should not be shared unless it can be disinfected between users.

Team Sports and Other Recreational Activities (Effective June 1)

Change: Sports and recreational activities for children and adults may resume.

Organized activities, including team sports, bowling alleys, and arts and cultural activities such as dance, art and theatre, can resume as long as precautions are taken, such as physical distancing and enhanced cleaning of equipment and indoor spaces. People must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. Choirs or musical theatre activities will not be allowed, due to a higher risk of transmission through singing as compared to speaking. Indoor activities can open with 50 per cent occupancy in all classrooms with a class size not to exceed 25 and a two metre/six foot separation between participants.

Bowling alleys and arts and cultural activities at indoor sites are required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.

Each sports organization and/or facility must establish a plan for how to minimize physical contact and the risk of COVID-19 transmission between participants. Outdoor activities are lower risk for transmission of COVID-19 than indoor activities. Guidance on performing a risk assessment for different activities and establishing plans is posted online at: manitoba.ca/covid19/restoring/guidance.html.

All activities will require some modification from their usual operations; however, individual or group activities that have close prolonged face to face contact (e.g. boxing, football) are higher risk, and will require some modification of the sport or activity to minimize this type of contact.

Non-participating members of the public attending the activities must be reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from other members of the public.

The following guidelines should be followed by participants, volunteers and staff:

  • Consider how to adapt activities to take place outdoors when possible.
  • Staff must use the self-screening tool before reporting, and should stay home when ill.
  • Participants and volunteers must be screened for symptoms prior to participation each day of the activity, and are not allowed to participate if they are ill with COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Teams travelling to northern communities must adhere to travel restrictions.
  • If indoors, hand hygiene stations should be placed at the entrance and strategically throughout the facility.
  • Shared equipment must be cleaned frequently. This can be done by participants, but staff should ensure this is being done regularly.
  • Staff and participants are given information on social distancing. Indoor facilities must post signs indicating physical distancing guidelines. Staff should discourage congregation.
  • Ensure enhanced cleaning of indoor facilities, particularly washrooms.
  • Encourage individuals to change and shower at home and limit use of locker area.
  • Remove any common use items from locker rooms.
  • Post signage for guidance on open shower area use to maintain physical distancing.
  • If locker rooms are used, consider modifying their use in order to maintain physical distancing.
  • As well, a disinfectant spray or wipes should be available for participants to disinfect locker contact surfaces before and after use.
  • Enhanced and frequent cleaning and disinfection of locker rooms will be required.
  • Areas of congregation (e.g. team benches, pool edges) will require creative solutions to adhere to physical distancing guidelines. This can be done in consultation with provincial and national sport-specific COVID-19 guidance, where applicable.

Outdoor Recreation Facilities and Golf Courses (Effective June 1)

Change: Access to indoor facilities allowed.

Facilities may operate at normal capacity outdoors if the organization implements measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges. Indoor occupancy limits of 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres will be in place.

The following guidelines should be followed by patrons, volunteers and staff at outdoor recreation facilities:

  • Develop site specific plans, which should include enhanced/frequent cleaning and disinfection for bathroom facilities and any indoor space where congregation occurs.
  • Discourage attendance by staff and participants at higher risk of experiencing severe illness.
  • Manage entry to ensure that physical distancing is maintained and provide staff to monitor line-ups, maintain physical distancing and discourage congregations.
  • Display prominent public health messaging (e.g. frequent hand washing, stay home if you’re sick and maintaining physical distancing).
  • Promote awareness and support staff to stay at home if sick. Consider a daily screening questionnaire for staff, and possibly patrons.
  • Do not share equipment that cannot be disinfected between riders/users.
  • Recreational areas that have high-touch services (e.g., railings, safety bars, seat belts, tables, etc.) which cannot easily be disinfected between each rider/user should remain closed.
  • Follow appropriate physical distancing guidelines at all times.
  • Where possible ensure contactless form of payment.
  • Food services should follow applicable restaurant guidelines.

The following guidelines should be followed by patrons, volunteers and staff at golf courses:

  • Follow Phase One guidelines as per Manitoba’s Recovering Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery.
  • Discourage use of or close locker rooms. If used, limit time in locker room and stagger entry times for groups.
  • Encourage individuals to shower at home and limit use of locker area.
  • Remove any common use items from locker rooms.
  • Post signage for guidance on open shower area use to maintain physical distancing.
  • If locker rooms are used, consider modifying their use in order to maintain physical distancing.
  • As well, a disinfectant spray or wipes should be available for participants to disinfect locker contact surfaces before and after use.
  • Enhanced and frequent cleaning and disinfection of locker rooms will be required.
  • Follow applicable restaurant guidelines.

Travel to Northern Parks, Campgrounds, Cabins, Lodges and Resorts (Effective June 1)

Change: Travel restrictions revised.

Manitoba residents will be permitted to travel directly to parks, campgrounds, cabins, lodges and resorts north of the 53rd parallel from within Manitoba.

Travellers are to follow the same guidelines in place for Manitobans travelling to a cottage or second residence, including:

  • Do not travel if you or any of your family members require medical care or have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing). If you have any symptoms, use the screening tool before you travel to seeif you need to be tested.
  • If you or anyone with you begins to feel ill or experiences COVID-19 symptoms, return home immediately.
  • Do not use local health providers, unless it is an emergency.
  • In the event of a medical emergency requiring evacuation, be sure you can contact local authorities. Emergency contact information varies by region. Ensure you collect and take this information with you before you leave home.
  • Bring required prescription drugs and medical supplies.
  • Avoid visiting local communities, including First Nations communities, as much as possible.

Travellers should also respectfully observe local restrictions and practice physical distancing if it is necessary to visit local communities and First Nations communities, or use curbside pickup if it is necessary to visit local businesses.

Community/Services Centres (Effective June 1)

Change: Sites may reopen with capacity limitations.

Community centres and other multi-purpose facilities such as church basements, arenas and town halls can be reopened if they are used for classes and activities allowed in Phase Two and follow the specific guidelines provided for those classes/activities.

  • The maximum number of people permitted per site is 25, except where discrete groups of 25 can be segregated to prevent contact with other groups through the use of separate exits and/or staggered drop off schedules and monitoring access to the facility to avoid congestion.
  • Staff must be present at the entry to the facility, as well as within the facility, to monitor use and capacity. Use one entrance only.
  • All staff, volunteers and service users should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 or exposures prior to allowing entry into the facility or before being allowed to participate in the activities.
  • Place signage at the entrance and throughout the facility to remind staff, volunteers, and service users of physical distancing measures, hand hygiene, and cough etiquette.
  • Ensure hand hygiene stations are available at entry and throughout the facility.
  • General guidance on physical distancing and disinfection/cleaning measures after each group must be followed. If washrooms are available for use, increased frequency of cleaning should occur.
  • Where possible, classes and activities should be moved to outdoors to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
  • Discourage drop-in use where feasible due to difficulty monitoring numbers of people and ensuring physical distancing. If drop-ins required based on community needs, establish measures to avoid congregation and establish process to monitor capacity.
  • Individuals at higher risk of serious illness may consider waiting to return to these facilities.
  • Consider the benefits versus risks of group activities for higher risk groups (e.g. seniors).
  • Follow sector-specific advice for other activities within the facility such as restaurants, gyms, etc.

Seniors Centres/Clubs (Effective June 1)

Seniors are at increased risk of more serious complications from COVID-19 disease. However, there are many services provided to this population that are critical for their physical and mental well-being. Any further delay to operations may result in harmful effects. These guidelines, in addition to the general guidance that all groups need to follow, provides specific recommendations for senior centres or clubs to address their unique circumstances and ways to further decrease risk of COVID-19 transmission.

  • Seniors may consider waiting to return to these activities.
  • Staff/volunteers must be present at a single entry to the site to allow the organization to monitor use and capacity.
  • All staff, volunteers and participants should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 or exposures before entering the facility or before being allowed to participate in activities. Ensure strict policies are in place for participants, staff and volunteers who are ill.
  • Participants should be informed of cough etiquette. Place signs found at the highlighted links to remind staff, volunteers and participants of these measures, and ensure these are followed.
  • Discourage drop-in use where possible and ensuring physical distancing. If drop-ins are required based on community needs, establish measures to avoid congregation and establish process to monitor capacity.
  • Where possible, offer services with one-on-one interactions or in small groups.
  • Virtual opportunities should be explored for those who are not able to attend the facility, or who may prefer to access services from home.
  • Where group activities are necessary, consider further limiting group sizes from the allowed limit of 25 people indoors, to 10 to 15 people or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is fewer. This will further reduce the exposure of seniors to a large number of individuals.
  • Maintain lists of participants for 21 days to ensure appropriate public health follow-up can take place if a participant be exposed to COVID-19 during these activities.
  • Set-up space (e.g. chairs, tables) to allow for physical distancing.
  • Limit the amount of time of interactions and group activities.
  • Practice hand hygiene between interactions with individuals, and ensure hand hygiene stations are available for participants.
  • Activities related to access to information and education opportunities can resume as long as they follow the group size limitation, physical distancing requirements, hand hygiene, and cleaning/disinfection protocols.
  • Health clinics for seniors run by health care providers can resume if they follow guidelines for primary care.
  • Fitness programs and social activities run by these groups should prioritize outdoor settings over indoor settings where possible. Activities that do not involve shared material/equipment should be prioritized. If shared equipment is required, consider only using those that can be thoroughly cleaned between use. Playing cards is not a recommended activity due to common handling by multiple participants during games and the inability to thoroughly clean cards between use.
  • If meals are served with any of these activities, individually wrapped meals should be provided rather than family-style servings. Congregate meals continue to be discouraged as part of Phase Two. Beverages can be served by a single staff or volunteer to avoid multiple people touching the same items. Refills of beverages should not be offered at this time.
  • Enhanced disinfection/cleaning measures must be in place at the site where services are being provided. If washrooms are available for use, increased frequency of cleaning should occur.

Personal Services Businesses (Effective June 1)

Change: Reopening of manicurists and pedicurists, tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists, electrologists and tanning parlours.

Occupancy limits of 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres will be in place. Manicurists and pedicurists, tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists, electrologists and tanning parlours may reopen if they implement measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges.

The following guidelines should be followed by patrons, volunteers and staff:

  • Staff shall undertake self-screening before they attend work and are to stay home when ill with COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Inform clients that they are not allowed service if they are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms.
  • Screen all clients upon entry, and confirm that they are not experiencing any symptoms. People identified as symptomatic should be instructed to call Health Links – Info Santé.
  • Appointment times should be staggered to allow physical distancing, and clients should attend alone, without friends or family.
  • Provide pre-booked appointments only. Drop-ins are not permitted.
  • Keep client records and contact information 21 days or as per business policies/protocols, whichever is longer, to enable public health contact tracing, if needed.
  • Clients must perform hand hygiene by hand-washing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer when entering or leaving the facility. Equip the entry of facility with hand sanitizer station or hand-wash station.
  • Both service providers and customers may wear non-medical masks, particularly when close touch or contact is involved.
  • Service providers may wear protective gloves and aprons when providing service, particularly when close touch or contact is involved.
  • Staff should perform hand hygiene before and after each client, and when they are putting on and removing personal protective equipment (mask, gloves).
  • Staff must perform hand hygiene by hand-washing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer after cleaning and sanitizing their work space, equipment, instruments, other work related materials, after going to the washroom, prior to preparing food or eating and when they are leaving work.
  • Maintain a minimum two-metre separation between individuals within the establishment, except for brief exchanges and while performing the service.
  • For personal services to the face where the client is unable to wear a non-medical mask, employees should wear a medical mask (surgical/procedural mask).
    • In addition, consider other options to have the client remove their face covering for brief periods during the service and positioning the employee so they can avoid being directly face-to-face across from the client (e.g. position to side of client).
  • Educate staff on physical distancing.
  • Businesses must maintain a single point of entry.
  • Businesses must post external signs indicating COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, along with floor markings where services are offered or lines form.
  • Entry into the business, including lines and waiting areas, are regulated to prevent congestion.
  • Floor markers may be installed to maintain the two metre separation.
  • Equipment, instruments and material that cannot be disinfected between clients cannot be reused.
  • All surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized between clients.
  • All common touch surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized with Health Canada approved disinfectant that kills viruses, including coronaviruses.
  • Washrooms must have frequent cleaning and sanitization and a regime for business sanitization is in place.
  • Magazine racks and toys should be removed and play areas in waiting rooms should be closed.
  • Onsite snack bars, coffee bars and other confectionery style counters should be closed.
  • Cashless or no-contact payment should be used to the greatest extent possible.

Film Production (Effective June 1)

Change: Productions may resume operations.

Film productions may resume operations if they implement measures to ensure the cast, employees and members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges. These productions must adhere to all provincial and federal travel restrictions.

The following guidelines should be followed by film production crew and cast on set/on location and in production offices.

  • International and domestic travel continues to be restricted. Anyone entering Manitoba must self-isolate for 14 days, with certain exceptions. Visit manitoba.ca/covid19/soe.html to review current public health orders. Self-isolation must be completed before attending the work site.
  • As much as possible, offer virtual pre-production and/or virtual rehearsals. Limit the number of face-to-face interactions.
  • According to Workplace Safety and Health legislation, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their workers. Employers must designate a health and safety representative If they have 10 to 19 workers, and a health and safety committee for a crew of 20 or more workers. Employers, representatives and committees should ensure all workers are following COVID-19 guidance recommendations.
  • Consider how to adapt activities to take place outdoors, when possible.
  • Limit on-site visitors and other non-essential staff. Avoid contact and interactions with the general public.
  • Individuals must use the self-screening tool daily before reporting on set/location or the production office, and must stay home when ill. Individuals at higher risk of serious illness may consider waiting to return on set/location.
  • Maintain a single point of entry and discourage people from leaving/re-entering the premises. Hand hygiene stations should be placed at the entrance and strategically throughout the premises. All individuals should be directed to clean their hands upon entry and upon leaving the premises, as well as regularly throughout the day. Screen all
    individuals at the entry for symptoms and exposures using the online screening tool.
  • Educate staff on physical distancing.
  • Ensure cast and crew maintain a minimum two metre separation between individuals, except for brief exchanges.
  • Minimize contact with number of individuals involved in the production by creating working cohorts or teams that remain isolated from each other.
  • Post signage indicating COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, along with floor markings, where cast or crew congregate.
  • Minimize close contact with others (within two metres/six feet). When this is unavoidable and close contact is required, a non-medical mask (or medical mask, if available) should be worn (e.g. hair, make-up, camera). Minimizing the amount of time where close contact within two metres is absolutely required without personal protective equipment, such as during filming. Develop and implement strategies to rehearse with physical distancing or personal protective equipment.
  • Providing meals on set/location must follow applicable restaurant guidelines. Buffet-style eating is prohibited. Congregating for meals should be avoided. Onsite snack bars, coffee bars and other confectionery style refreshment counters should be closed.
  • Shared equipment (such as props, camera equipment) must be cleaned/disinfected frequently and after each use (if it cannot be cleaned/disinfected between cast and crew, then it cannot be used). This can be done by the cast and crew, but a designated individual must ensure this is being done properly and consistently.
  • Ensure enhanced cleaning of indoor facilities, particularly washrooms. All high-touch surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized with Health Canada approved disinfectant that kills viruses, including coronaviruses.
  • Transportation required to and from sets/locations must follow applicable transportation guidelines.
  • Guidelines for dressing rooms/washroom facilities include:
    • encouraging individuals to shower at home and limit use of dressing area;
    • minimizing in-person wardrobe fittings as much as possible, and minimizing the number of staff attending in-person fittings;
    • removing any common use items from dressing rooms;
    • posting signage for guidance on shower area use to maintain physical distancing;
    • modifying the use of dressing rooms to maintain physical distancing, including those involved in fittings;
    • making a disinfectant spray or wipes available for participants to disinfect dressing room surfaces before and after use; and
    • ensuring enhanced and frequent cleaning and disinfection of dressing rooms.

Therapeutic or Health Care Businesses (Effective June 1)

Change: Occupancy limits lifted for regulated health professions.

Occupancy limits of 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres can be lifted for regulated health professions. Non-regulated health professions must continue to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres. Service providers must continue to implement measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges.