As Manitobans gear up to mark the final long weekend of the summer, the province's chief public health officer is reiterating the fundamentals of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Brent Roussin says that includes avoiding large gatherings, especially indoors.

"Most definitely stay home if you are feeling ill, even mildly ill," he says.

As well, Roussin stresses physical distancing, even when outside, and if that's not feasible he encourages people to wear a mask.

"And if you're in indoor public places, strong recommendation to wear that mask," he added.

Additional fundamentals include frequent hand-washing and not sharing items with others.

While the overall provincial response level remains at 'caution' (yellow) on Manitoba's Pandemic Response System, the Prairie Mountain Health region has been designated 'restricted' (orange) and requires mask use in all indoor and outdoor public gatherings, and limits all indoor and outdoor public gatherings to 10 people.

As well, travel restrictions to northern Manitoba and remote communities have been re-implemented, effective Thursday, Sept. 3.