WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is extending the provincewide state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect Manitobans, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, minister responsible for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), announced today.
The extension goes into effect Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 4 pm CST for a period of thirty days.
“Our government’s number one priority is the health and safety of all Manitobans,” said Schuler. “As we start the new year, we will continue to adapt to the needs of our province in response to the pandemic. Our emergency management team has been a lead player from the onset and will continue supporting measures to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
The Manitoba Emergency Co-ordination Centre was activated on day 1 of the pandemic, and has been operating ever since, the minister said, adding it has been a critical player in facilitating the province’s overall response to personal protective equipment procurement and provision. It also developed the Pandemic Response System, ensuring alternative isolation accommodations were available, and advising on and enforcing co-ordination of public health orders under the state of emergency. It also facilitates the federal/provincial engagement to military support in First Nations communities.
“We need all Manitobans to continue to do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Let’s work together to make 2021 safe for our communities and our health-care system,” said Schuler.
The state of emergency was first declared on March 20, 2020, by the powers set out in section 10(1) and 10(2) of the Emergency Measures Act.
