'Much more than 10' faith gatherings spread COVID-19

Dr. Brent Roussin says they have been seeing spread at more faith-based gatherings than they have shared with the public.

At worship events, Manitobans have been contracting COVID-19.

"There have been a number of (cases), if we talk faith-based, just regular faith-based gatherings, certainly in weddings and funerals, we have seen."

There are more exposures at faith-based gatherings than have been shared with the public.

"If we add weddings and funerals and religious events, it is much more than 10."

Roussin says while they have examples of spread at faith-based events, the province will not disclose information regarding COVID-19 exposures unless they believe there is a reason to.

"There have been multiple examples and we have been able to contact trace to disclose the specific situation."

He says if there was a need to disclose worship location, they would.

Some Manitobans have been calling for churches to close to in-person services, including Dr. Tim Heibert, a doctor who attends church online in Winnipeg. 

Roussin says that the province is looking at the current situation, noting that while churches are currently permitted to open, it could change in the future.

"Nothing is complete. We are going to continue to look at that." 

As of Monday, both the Winnipeg Metro region and the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region will be operating under Red restrictions. These churches can gather in person at a maximum capacity of 15 per cent, or 100 people, whichever is lower, for regular religious services.