The Manitoba government is bringing in widespread restrictions across the province in an effort to stop a surge of COVID-19 cases.

Starting Thursday, non-essential retail outlets will be limited to curbside pickup and delivery, churches will not be allowed to hold in-person services, and people will be forbidden from social gatherings with anyone from outside their household.

Bars, restaurants, museums and theatres will have to close and recreational activities will be suspended. The restrictions are expected to be in place for four week and are to be reviewed as case numbers change.

“We need to flatten our COVID curve and we need to do that now,” Premier Brian Pallister said Tuesday.

There has been a surge of cases in Manitoba since a summer lull when, at one point in July, there was only one known active case.

There have since been outbreaks in long-term care homes and hospitals and widespread community transmission of the novel coronavirus. Intensive care beds, including those occupied by non-COVID-patients, are running close to capacity.

Manitoba currently leads all other provinces in per-capita active cases.

(Canadian Press)