Manitoba health minister hints at tighter rules after record COVID-19 jump

Manitoba is expected to tighten restrictions in the Winnipeg region after a record number of COVID-19 cases.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen says the government has been analyzing its next steps and the chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, will have something to say Friday.

The province is reporting 193 new COVID-19 cases - the highest single day jump since the pandemic began.

Hospital resources are being tested with ICU beds at more than 90 per cent capacity.

The greater Winnipeg region is already under stricter rules than other areas, with lower public gathering limits and capacity caps at restaurants and lounges.

Friesen says those measures have not stopped case numbers from rising and more action is needed.

Sask. cases climb

Saskatchewan has hit a record of daily number of cases less than a week after it reported an all-time high.

Health officials reported 82 new cases Thursday,, surpassing the previous high of 78 set on Saturday.

Some 37 of the new cases are in the Saskatoon area, and the rest are spread around different regions of the province.

Starting Friday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is imposing restrictions on Saskatoon nightclubs that include no alcohol service between 10 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. following multiple outbreaks linked to clubs.

The health order does not apply to lounges, pubs, restaurants, or liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms.