Two More Weeks at Home:
Code Red Restrictions Extended
By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill
Manitobans patiently awaited the scheduled January 8th 12:30 pm conference call held by Dr. Roussin. During this conference call Manitobans would learn whether the code red restrictions first put in place back in mid November of 2020 would be extended further. As we came to learn the code red restrictions have been extended for an additional two-week period and are set to expire on January 22nd. The restrictions were extended as a result of the unknown impact the holiday season will have on the test positivity rate.
In case you have forgotten what the code red restrictions entail here is a reminder. During the code red phase, gatherings outside one’s household are not permitted with the exception of individuals who live alone and are allowed to have one designated visitor. All nonessential businesses are closed, and all nonessential items cannot be purchased in store. Thus, meaning that everything deemed nonessential by the province must be purchased online and shipped or arranged for curbside pickup. These will all remain in place until the 22nd, however just as during the holiday season a few changes were made in order to accommodate for the Christmas spirit, there were a couple of changes to the restrictions to accommodate hockey fans and hockey parents. Hockey practices and games will be allowed to take place. This received mixed emotions with many individuals complaining and becoming angry at the unfairness of the restrictions and the favouritism the province placed on hockey. Many complained that small businesses could not afford to be closed for another two weeks as they risk going under and that province was making a mistake by considering hockey as an essential. The anger and disappointment felt by individuals is understandable however this anger will not get us anywhere and we must not let our impatience and anger get the best of us.
While we cannot partake in any indoor activities nor can we visit any friends or family there are a variety of outdoor COVID-19 friendly activities we can do. Ice rinks have opened, and sledding hills have also become available for public use. Furthermore, dog parks have now opened to allow our fur friends to interact with other dogs as this is much needed. Another outdoor activity that we can do is hiking at the Brandon Hills, the weather has been beautiful throughout this first week of January and a nice hike through the Brandon Hills will prove to be beneficial to your health.
We hoped the restrictions would be taken down and we would be able to see friends and gather outside of our household however due to the irresponsibility and foolishness of those who have disobeyed the orders and visited friends, family and significant others throughout the holiday season have essentially ruined it for the rest of us. However, anger will get us nowhere and all we can do is hope that in two weeks our numbers have decreased significantly in order for those of us who have waited to see our family and friends.