Province's Latest Mandate Does Not Change MJHL Start Date

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Manitoba and as a result, provincial health officials will implement new safety measures to try and stop the spread of COVID-19. Beginning this Monday, Sept. 28, masks will be mandatory in all indoor public spaces and all gatherings -- both indoor AND outdoor -- will be restricted to 10 people. These latest restrictions will be in place for a minimum of 14 days and likely 30 days although additional updates will be made by health officials on a regular basis. However, Chief Provincial Public Health Official, Dr. Brent Roussin said all other existing orders and rules for schools, child care, retail, museums, theatres and casinos will remain the same for the time being. That means the Manitoba Junior Hockey League will open as scheduled on Oct. 9 with a full slate of six games. "We are still under the existing health order," said MJHL Commissioner Kevin Saurette on Friday. "We will open on Oct. 9. Capacity at all of our regular-season games will remain at 50 percent with approved social distancing throughout. Although during the pre-season we've lowered that to 35 per cent. "All players coaches, arena personnel and officials must wear masks and at the buildings in the Winnipeg Region -- the RINK and Selkirk -- that's what we've been doing during the pre-season and that's what we will continue to do." Minor hockey and other junior hockey within the province has also not been affected by the new 'Code Orange' set to go into effect on Monday, September 28, 2020.