The Manitoba government will continue the extension of the state of emergency in efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and variants. It goes into effect today for another 30 days.
In a news release, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, minister responsible for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), says “Our government understands the hardships and fatigue associated with the ongoing changes and restrictions. We will continue to adapt and respond to the pandemic, but we need Manitobans to continue to follow the fundamentals to ensure we can move forward on the path of a post-pandemic recovery.”
He says Manitoba is still in a health emergency, but may no longer require the state of emergency. Schuler told reporters Tuesday, when this extension ends, a discussion will begin on whether the province should just let it expire.
The release goes on to say Manitoba’s Emergency Measures Organization provincial response team works with industry partners and experts to co-ordinate, collaborate and communicate effectively in supporting the roll out of programs and services to assist in Manitoba’s COVID-19 response strategy. EMO has been critical in facilitating the province’s overall response to personal protective equipment procurement and provision, developing the Pandemic Response System, ensuring alternative isolation accommodations were available, and advising and co-ordinating the enforcement of public health orders under the state of emergency.
The state of emergency was first declared on March 20, 2020, as set out in section 10(1) and 10(2) of the Emergency Measures Act.
To view the state of emergency and public health orders, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/orders/index.html
For additional information on the role of the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization: www.gov.mb.ca/emo/provincial/covid.html