By Canadian Press

Several provinces bring in new restrictions as high COVID-19 case numbers persist

May 9, 2021 | 11:51 AM

Several provinces are gearing up to tighten public health measures once again as COVID-19 infection rates remain stubbornly high in parts of Canada. 

Beginning at midnight, bars and restaurants in Alberta must shut their patios to in-person dining and personal wellness services such as hair salons and tattoo parlours have to close as the final group of rules announced last week by Premier Jason Kenney come into effect.

Manitoba has also banned in-person restaurant dining, closed churches and some businesses and dropped capacity at retail stores to 10 per cent as of today after a recent spike in cases.

The Quebec government is tightening measures in the Estrie region east of Montreal as of Monday, even as it is set to lift emergency lockdown measures in the greater Quebec City region and parts of the Outaouais.

Canada’s chief public health officer said on Twitter that infection rates remain high in many parts of the country, and is urging people to maintain public health measures even if they’ve been vaccinated. 

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Ontario, meanwhile, reported 3,216 additional people have been infected with COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, and 47 more people have died.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2021

The Canadian Press