The provincewide state of emergency is being extended yet again in Manitoba.

The state of emergency was first declared on March 20th of last year, with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It should be noted that the state of emergency is entirely different from the new public health order which will take effect this coming Friday.

The state of emergency will go into effect at four o'clock this afternoon and last for 30 days.

"Our government continues to move forward in our cautious approach in reopening the province," says Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler. "Extending Manitoba's state of emergency is a preventative measure to help reduce the introduction and transmission of COVID-19 and its variants. We will remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans."

Manitoba's Emergency Measures Organization provincial response team works with industry partners and experts to coordinate, collaborate and communicate effectively in supporting the roll out of programs and services to assist in Manitoba's COVID-19 response strategy. EMO has been a critical player including facilitating the province's overall response to personal protective equipment procurement and provision, developing the Pandemic Response System, ensuring alternative isolation accommodations were available, and advising and coordinating the enforcement of public health orders under the state of emergency.