WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is set to tighten its COVID-19 public health orders.

Premier Brian Pallister says the new measures will focus on gatherings and staying at home, and will be announced by the chief public health officer.

Manitoba already bans most social gatherings at private residences and has closed indoor dining at restaurants and food courts.

Pallister says case numbers spiked after previous long weekends and he doesn’t want to see a repeat.

Pallister is also promising to reveal incentives next week to encourage people to get vaccinated.

Manitoba’s intensive care units are at record levels, and three patients this week have been sent to Ontario to free up bed space.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2021.

The Canadian Press