BREAKING: Manitoba's COVID-19 health orders extending 3 more weeks

Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon says "nothing is off the table" as they monitor and gather data about the omicron variant.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising as case numbers soar with the omicron variant. The current set of prevention orders will continue for three more weeks in an effort to ease the strain on the health care system.

"Nothing is off the table and we will act swiftly in the weeks ahead if further action is required to protect Manitobans," Gordon says in a statement. "While these orders remain in place, we continue to take steps to improve supply and access to testing and other important initiatives that support our pandemic response and protect our health system."

The health orders will expire at midnight on February 1.

Manitoba continues to be labelled as Restricted (Orange) on the Pandemic Response System by the province.

The Delta variant has taken a backseat in most regions as the omicron strain becomes the vast majority of cases.

“Ongoing restrictions are a challenge for many Manitobans, but remain necessary to help slow the spread of the virus and protect our healthcare system."

As of Friday morning, there are 297 people in the hospital because of COVID-19, 105 more than the week before. Intensive care rates remain steady with 34 people in intensive care, four more people than one week ago.

The province says they will be monitoring omicron's effects in Manitoba and in other jurisdictions.