Manitoba marks 173 new COVID-19 cases, two more deaths MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES "At this point, it really depends on what happens over the next few weeks," acting deputy chief provincial public health officer Dr. Jazz Atwal said of the potential for lifting restrictions further. As Manitobans prepare to get haircuts and host their favourite couple, starting Saturday, public health officials will be keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 numbers to see if pandemic restrictions can be further loosened. As Manitobans prepare to get haircuts and host their favourite couple, starting Saturday, public health officials will be keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 numbers to see if pandemic restrictions can be further loosened.