Manitoba's chief public health officer says if the number of active COVID-19 cases in the province continues falling, Manitoba may accelerate its plan to ease restrictions on public and business activities.

A 10-person limit on public gatherings is already set for review on June 1, and Dr. Brent Roussin says the limit may be raised sooner than expected.

There have been 290 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Manitoba since the pandemic started, but with more people recovering, the number of active cases has fallen to 26.

If that trend continues, Roussin said the province may accelerate its plan to ease restrictions on public and business activities. A 10-person limit on public gatherings is already set for review on June 1, and Roussin said the limit may be raised sooner than expected.

"I do expect that certainly to be ahead of schedule from June 1," Roussin says. "I don't have the details on that today, but later this week, I will."