Manitoba's Public Health Orders will be extending past the holiday season, with some changes.

The majority of the current health orders will remain in effect starting Saturday, including gathering size limits and the halting of in-person worship services. Drive-in church services will be allowed, with some stipulations.

In-person shopping will be allowed at thrift stores. They will be allowed to open at some capacity for in-person shopping to sell non-essential items such as clothing. This is due to its effects on people who are low-income who rely on thrift stores and unable to shop online.

“Our modelling has shown the Critical level, or red, restrictions have helped us avoid even higher case numbers right now,” Dr. Brent Roussin says. “But our numbers are still too high and now is not the time to let up. That is why we’re extending the public health orders with some adjustments to ensure Manitobans can access the goods and services they need and have clear direction stay safe at home before and during the holiday season.”

Some in-person shopping of non-essential items will be permitted, such as some holiday and religious items. The province is set to give further specifications on what is permitted in the upcoming days.

School supplies are being added to the list of essential items. 

Drive-thru events such as the annual light show at the Red River Ex will be permitted.

Food banks continue to be allowed to open. The province will be sharing further guidelines on how it could be done safely.

Groups of five people or fewer are permitted to socialize outside at a distance. The province wishes for Manitobans to continue to do outdoor activities and will provide further guidance on those activities in the upcoming days.  

The province will be allowing the Winnipeg Jets to train in Manitoba. 

Acupuncture and manual osteopathy practices will be allowed to open.

Legal services, landlord access and access for home businesses are permitted in private residences. 

The new orders end on January 8.