Pallister says mental health, physical health, factors to restrictions

Premier Brian Pallister is leaving the Public Health Orders in Public Health's hands, saying there are many factors at play.

The Premier said on Thursday he is in full support of Dr. Brent Roussin regardless of if he chooses to or not to tighten the Public Health Orders with increased cases. 

"Although I know there are probably a hundred thousand other people out there who have opinions, I am going to stick with Brent Roussin as my principal advisor when it comes to this," Pallister says.

Manitoba saw its biggest case jump in months Thursday with 261 new cases. 

"There are not enough police in the country to enforce everybody following health orders. I am asking Manitobans to be very very careful, to be responsible, and remember that social distancing is a key."

Pallister also says wearing a mask, handwashing, and avoiding prolonged indoor contact are important. He says "we can get through this thing" by following these guides waiting for vaccines. 

"As these vaccines come, then we have that real hope that we get more and more closer to herd immunity situation."

He says he is open to more restrictions if need be, but it is ultimately up to the Chief Public Health Officer. Pallister believes Manitoba's cases have been lowered due to strict travel isolation requirements and locals following the orders.

"The fact remains that we have health experts and we count on them for advice and then we follow that advice," Pallister says. "Our restrictions, which are and continue to be some of the most limiting in the country, not just in terms of travel but in terms of a variety of other components have effectively helped to help Manitobans bend the curve down."

Manitoba's COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing, with 623 net new cases in the past four days.

"I don't think the panic evident in some of the recommendations is appropriate," Pallister says in response to Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman's calls for a lockdown.

He says he has heard concerns from doctors calling for lockdowns but says livelihoods and mental health effects are at stake when these orders are being considered.

"It is coming all too often from people who would not be affected by a shutdown. There are a lot of other people out in the province who do not have a guaranteed paycheque, who are struggling to make ends meet, who have to work for a living and they do not want to go back to depending on a government program. "