Health restrictions are returning to the Prairie Mountain Health region as case numbers rise.

Starting Monday, group sizes will be reduced to ten, indoors and outdoors in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Masks will be mandatory for indoor public places as well as public gatherings in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Officials estimate the restrictions will likely be in place for 1-2 incubation periods (14-28 days).

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin explains the limit applies to events like weddings and funerals. However, it doesn't apply to workplaces, retail outlets, and religious ceremonies.

Roussin notes there are 95 active in the Prairie Mountain Health region, a majority in Brandon with 66 associated with a business in the community among other clusters.

"We're seeing community-based transmission as well," Roussin says, adding they're hearing reports of large family gatherings in parks.

He says they're responded by elevating the Prairie Mountain Health region to 'Orange' the second highest restriction level in the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

There were 33 new cases identified Thursday; 17 in the Prairie Mountain Health region, 10 in Southern Health, six in the Winnipeg region.

There are 247 active cases and 537 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 12.

Due to a technical issue, the status of hospitalizations and intensive care patients is currently unavailable.