Health restrictions are returning to the Prairie Mountain Health region as case numbers rise.

Starting Monday, group sizes will be reduced to ten people both indoors and outdoors in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Masks will be mandatory for indoor public places as well as public gatherings in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Officials estimate the restrictions will likely be in place for 1-2 incubation periods (14-28 days).

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin explains the limit applies to events like weddings and funerals. However, it doesn’t apply to workplaces, retail outlets, and religious ceremonies.

Roussin notes there are 95 active in the Prairie Mountain Health region, a majority in Brandon with 66 connected to a business in the community among other clusters.

“We’re seeing community-based transmission as well,” Roussin says, adding they’re hearing reports of large family gatherings in parks.

He says they’re responded by elevating the Prairie Mountain Health region to ‘Orange’ the second-highest restriction level in the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.