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Downtown Winnipeg BIZ: Memo - The latest information for BIZ Members


Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,


When I heard new restrictions were being announced today, I worried that closures were coming. While there are some reductions in capacity starting Wednesday, I’m relieved to see the impact to businesses is minimal.

We know it’s still extremely challenging to run a business, especially for those of you who rely on downtown workers as your customers. We’re proud of your concerted effort to protect Manitobans by following public health orders, sanitization instructions and contact tracing protocols.

I also want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the businesses and team at The Forks. We are frustrated by the anti-mask protest over the weekend that led to businesses having to close early. Thank you for ensuring the safety of your staff and customers.

And finally, I’m happy to report I got my first shot of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine last week. The faster we can get those jabs in arms, the sooner we can look forward to welcoming people back downtown.

As always, please reach out to us if you need anything.



Province announces changes to public health orders, effective April 28


On Monday, April 26, the provincial government announced changes to the current public health orders that will come into effect on Wednesday, April 28, 12:01 a.m.

Here’s what’s new for retail:

  • Retail stores must be limited to 25% of the capacity of the store or up to 250 patrons, whichever is lower
  • Malls will be limited to 25% of the facility’s capacity

Here’s what’s new for restaurants and bars

  • Patio dining will be restricted to groups of four people only, with no household restrictions
  • Food courts in malls and shopping centres will be required to close

Here’s what’s new for gyms and fitness centres:

  • Gyms and fitness centres continue to be limited to 25% capacity, but individuals will be required to maintain physical distancing of three metres from others

Here’s what’s new for personal services:

  • Personal service businesses will be able to continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity, but appointments will be required


Personal services include tanning, aesthetic services, spa services, body modification (tattoos, ear piercing, etc.), massage therapy, physiotherapy, etc. For a more detailed list, read the personal services bulletin (PDF) from the Manitoba government.

Changes to the orders will last until May 26, 2021. Learn more from the Province’s public health orders news release.



Vaccine eligibility extended to Downtown neighbourhood


On April 23, the Province announced that Manitobans aged 18 and older who live or work in specified jobs in the Downtown area are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

If you meet the following criteria, you can now make appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine at supersites and pop-up clinics and at urban Indigenous vaccine clinics:

  • Living in the Downtown neighbourhood
  • Working in the Downtown neighbourhood in K-12 schools, as a childcare provider, in a food processing facility, in a grocery or convenience store, at a gas station, as a public health officer, in a restaurant or anywhere that serves food.

More information and a map of the eligible communities is available on the Province’s website.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions:
204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ