Some public health orders in Manitoba are changing amid rising COVID-19 cases that is also putting a strain on the healthcare system.

The first is for religious gatherings in the Southern Health Region. They will be restricted to 25 people, unless the facility can physically space out the area for several cohorts of 25 people, and if that’s possible, gatherings are limited to 25 percent capacity, to a maximum of 250 people.

Cohorts must not mingle and masks must be worn and physical distancing rules apply.

Services restricted to fully-vaccinated people and those under 12 who aren’t eligible for the COVID vaccine yet can still happen without capacity limits.

Municipalities exempted from this restriction, and are considered part of the Winnipeg Capital Region, are Cartier, Headingley, MacDonald, Niverville-Ritchot, St. Francois Xavier and Tache.

This restriction for the South takes effect at midnight tomorrow (Sat).

The second restriction changing is province-wide affecting youth sports.

Province-wide, proof of at least one dose of vaccine or a negative COVID test within 72 hours will be required for 12-to-17-year-olds in order to participate in indoor recreational sports.

However, there will be a grace period until December 5th to allow individuals who are not yet full-vaccinated or vaccinated at all to comply, with this order taking effect at midnight on December 6th.

The new rules for vaccination among youth also apply to overnight camps for kids.

In a news release, the province notes that negative tests need to come from a participating pharmacy, as provincial testing sites are prioritized for people showing COVID-symptoms or those required to take a PCR test by public health.

All other public health orders remain the same.