A stay at home order remains in effect in Ontario and now Manitoba is taking steps to protect residents.
Starting Friday, anyone entering Manitoba from anywhere in Canada, including those from northwestern Ontario will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
If you are from Manitoba and thinking of coming into Ontario, you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon your return.
People travelling for essential reasons or medical purposes will be exempt.
Premier Brian Pallister says the new order, impacting ground and air travel, is due to a surge in COVID variants in our country.
“It’s a real concern. We are seeing the presence of these variants growing around the world. We are seeing a number of cases appearing in Canada and we are seeing significant problems in the U.K., South Africa and many other countries.”
In a briefing with journalists on Tuesday, Pallister cited an article from the Globe and Mail stating ‘British variant more deadly. Researchers say 30% more deadly according to initial research.’
Pallister said “So there’s real reason for concern. We are acting out of a sense of concern and out of an abundance of caution and we feel these measures are necessary now.”
The Manitoba Premier also voiced his support for tighter restrictions at Canada’s international borders keep cases of any COVID-19 variant out of the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says we expect more travel restrictions in the near future, noting an announcement would come very soon.
Trudeau is reiterating federal public health guidance to avoid all non-essential travel, both abroad and in between provinces.
