COVID-19 case numbers continue to spike in Manitoba, and Premier Brian Pallister has made an impassioned plea to those who have yet to be vaccinated, to get their shot.

Pallister says the majority of those getting COVID and being hospitalized with it have not been vaccinated, and he had a message aimed directly at those who continue to ignore public health orders.

“I respect your right to choose. Your body is your body. Your decision is your decision, but you’re not alone in the impacts of that decision, so consider that.

“COVID is evil, it robs your breathe, it robs your strength, it robs your freedoms. It can take your life. There are real consequences to getting COVID and I don’t want those consequences to happen to you.” Pallister said.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin and Health Minister Heather Stefanson will introduce additional public health restrictions at 4 p.m. MB time, aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 over the May long weekend.

The premier also announced that next week, the province will provide details on a vaccination incentive program, to encourage more residents to get their shot, in order to protect themselves and each other.