Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health officer is set to announce a new raft of COVID-19 restrictions for Manitoba as case counts rise.

This was addressed during a press conference regarding Manitoba's new COVID-19 Sick Leave Benefit. Premier Brian Pallister says these orders will be effective immediately once announced.

"I have faith in Manitoba that we can do this together," the Premier says.

The pending restrictions have not been announced.

Pallister says Roussin is tied up in court but will announce the new public health orders at 6 P.M. Friday.

The Premier says this is due to hospital case increases, noting that the province is increasing critical bed space.

"God-willing we do not need it, but it is there."

502 new COVID-19 cases were announced Friday afternoon.

 

PENALTIES

Manitoba's Premier has announced tougher penalties for those who choose not to pay their COVID-19 fines. Brian Pallister says fines will double for repeat offenders.

He stresses that for those who choose not to pay their fines, they will not be able to renew their driver's license. And, for those who do not have a driver's license, the province will garnish their wages. Not only will each fine double for repeat offenders, but so too will the default payment fee.

"I want the message to be loud and clear," says Pallister. "Put your car up on blocks because you are not going to be driving it if you do not pay these fines."

Pallister says Manitoba is outpacing most other provinces in enforcement efforts. He notes in Manitoba they have issued approximately 100 tickets per 100,000 population, which is highest in the country.

The fine for not wearing a mask in an indoor public place is $298. The fine for various offences such as gathering in private residences or outdoors, or failure to self-isolate, is $1,296. The fine for corporations is $5,000.

Meanwhile, Pallister says investigations of previous protests are underway. Close to 3,300 people have been authorized to hand out enforcement tickets with "boots on the ground."

Pallister says the anti-mask and health order protests are disrespectful. He says it is difficult seeing Manitobans not follow the orders, saying it is an insult to those who have been following the orders.

Pallister notes Manitobans delayed the third wave because most have been following the health orders.

"Manitobans need to know how much I respect and thank them for that," the Premier says.