PUBLIC TO BE ASKED ABOUT EASING COVID RESTRICTIONS

Manitoba is seeking public input on whether to ease COVID-19 restrictions. The government opened an online survey Friday asking people how they feel about opening non-essential stores, gyms and other businesses, as well as easing a five-person limit on public gatherings. Premier Brian Pallister, pictured, said any relaxing of the rules would be slow and cautious: “What we don't want is a yo-yo effect.” Manitoba clamped down in November when daily case counts were above 400 and ICUs were nearing capacity. The daily case count has been cut by more than half, the percentage of people testing positive is down sharply and the drain on hospitals has eased. Health officials reported 191 new cases Friday and five deaths for a total of 760.