Mixed reactions to new COVID-19 rules as Manitoba hits highest infection rate among provinces

Reactions have been mixed so far to Manitoba's latest public health orders targeting kids in sports, unvaccinated churchgoers in the southern part of the province and hospital capacity.

But for many, one thing is certain: as Manitoba again becomes the COVID-19 hot spot among Canada's provinces, something needs to be done.

The middle province secured that title on Friday, when its running seven-day average of new cases per 100,000 people rose to 84 a week — or 12 cases per 100,000 people a day. The province previously became Canada's COVID-19 hot spot during the third wave in May.

The next highest provincial rate is currently in neighbouring Saskatchewan, which as of Friday had a seven-day case rate of 79 per 100,000 people.

For now, however, Saskatchewan still has a higher 14-day case rate (172 per 100,000) than Manitoba (146).

With Manitoba's cases rising most rapidly among people under 20, some say it makes sense that new rules announced by the province Friday target kids over 11 who aren't yet vaccinated.

Starting Dec. 6, anyone age 12 to 17 will have to have proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose — or a negative rapid test result from the past 72 hours — to play indoor sports in Manitoba.

"I guess we're not that surprised. There has been some indication that there has been some spread through youth sport activities," Janet McMahon, president and CEO of Sport Manitoba, said following Friday's announcement.

McMahon said the province has indicated the percentage of eligible kids who are already vaccinated is quite high, so she's optimistic the mandate won't have a major impact on sports that are already underway.

She said Sport Manitoba oversees about 70 different organizations across the province, all of which are eager to do what they can to make sure they can keep operating safely.

Peter Woods, executive director of Hockey Manitoba, said while he guesses more than 80 per cent of his organization's members are already immunized against COVID-19, the new rules will affect those still unsure about getting the jab.

He said Hockey Manitoba is supportive of the new rules, but he still expects to get some pushback from unvaccinated parents.

Currently, Manitoba's public health order says anyone who is 18 or older must be vaccinated to enter an indoor sports or recreational facility.

Some parents, though, might argue they should have the option of getting tested instead of proving they're vaccinated, like their kids will have, Woods said.