Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer says their message is changing from "stay home" to "stay safe." And, with the May long weekend upon us, Dr. Brent Roussin says there are activities we can take part in, as long as they are done with proper precaution.

Even with the threat of COVID-19, Dr. Roussin is not ruling out the idea of having a few friends over for a bonfire this weekend.

“We want Manitobans to make informed decisions with all of these types of things,” he says. “So, certainly meeting people outdoors, physical distancing.”

Dr. Roussin says these types of lower-risk activities can be considered. He says gathering sizes can still not exceed ten people and he encourages everyone to look out for one another. According to Dr. Roussin, nobody with even mild symptoms should be showing up to any sort of function.

“So, if everyone is keeping a close eye on their health, no one being ill is heading out, then sure, meeting up with a couple of people outside, social distancing, then this is a lower risk activity,” he clarifies.

Dr. Roussin says the restrictions and recommendations have not changed concerning those wanting to head to their cottage for the Victoria Day weekend. He says public health orders require a 14-day mandatory isolation period for those leaving Manitoba and then coming back into the province. This excludes those who make routine trips to neighbouring communities outside Manitoba, such as visits to their property.

For those feeling the need to visit their cottage, Dr. Roussin says you should pack everything you need from home and not make any stops along the way. Then, while at the cottage, he says you should not be visiting other areas, but should stay at your cottage, without meeting in large groups. Once your visit to the cottage is complete, Dr. Roussin says you should return straight home.

What about Kenora?

Dan Reynard is the Mayor of Kenora. He says summer residents are a huge part of their community, yet some locals are now using this pandemic as an excuse to verbally attack them.

“The reality is, even though we continue to push and request that people stay home, there is nothing that precludes people from coming to their cottages and camps,” he says. “We are not encouraging it, but we certainly have to respect the fact.”

For those heading to Kenora this weekend, Stace Gander from the city says ramps and beaches will be open and they have ordered 36 signs to be placed in various areas, reminding people that social distancing must be adhered to.

Two summer students will be monitoring activity at the boat ramps in Kenora and Keewatin, in order to ensure public health measures are being followed. The students will also be monitoring and enforcing parking bylaws.

The province is also reviewing public health measures for their parks and conservation areas, as Queen’s Park moves to slowly reopen the economy and ease restrictions.

The city notes, boaters can expect metered parking for trailers this summer at Anicinabe Park. City staff are also looking at the lease for the isolation centre at the Keewatin Arena, which runs out next month. Since the emergency centre has not been used, the city will be watching to see if the restriction on the nearby boat ramp needs to be extended into the summer months.

Residents are asked to respect closures that are still in place for some facilities and open spaces.

Meanwhile, within Manitoba, the current state of emergency and public health orders remain in place over the May long weekend. Public gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited at any indoor or outdoor places or premises. This includes places of worship, social gatherings, and family events such as weddings and funerals.

Travel to Northern Manitoba or a remote community is restricted. Northern Manitoba refers to the area of Manitoba located north of the 53rd parallel of latitude and includes communities such as Thompson, Flin Flon, The Pas, Churchill, Lynn Lake and Gillam. A “remote community” refers to a community that is not connected to the provincial highway by a year-round-all-weather road.