Type of Intervention: Executive Order
Sectors Involved: Health, Private Sector and Businesses, General Public
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Gatherings, businesses, and services; Legal and policy; Declaring state of emergency
Level of Jurisdiction: Manitoba
Lead People/Agency: – Premier Brian Pallister announced the decision for the state of emergency
– Ron R. Schuler, Minister responsible for the administration of The Emergency Measures Act
– The orders under The Public Health Act were made by Chief Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Brent Roussin
– Cameron Freisen, Minister responsible for the administration of The Public Health Act
Overview: The Manitoba Government is declaring a province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act. This is intended to allow the government to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect the health and safety of Manitobans. Furthermore, the chief provincial public health officer is putting forth orders under The Public Health Act. The orders, which are to take immediate effect for 30 days, include the prohibition of public gatherings of more than 50 people, as well as other measures.
Full details here: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47137
Other links: 1 2
Type of Justification: Perception of an increased threat
Evidence/Justification: In the document outlining the declaration of the state of emergency in the province of Manitoba (1st link in Other Links), it was described that Manitoba was experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak which causing health impacts which would continue to increase in the future, and that prompt action was needed to limit loss of life and harm to the safety, health and welfare of individuals in Manitoba.
In the document outlining the orders put forth by the chief provincial public health officer of Manitoba (2nd link in Other links), it was described that COVID-19 has posed a serious threat to public health which cannot be addressed without special measures.