Manitoba has updated its list of items that are considered essential for stores to be able to sell under its stringent COVID-19 restrictions.

Under measures that took effect Friday, retailers are forbidden to sell non-essential goods in-store.

But in a bulletin late Saturday afternoon, the province added newspapers to the list of essential items, along with gift cards and pre-paid credit cards.

The list had previously included things like food, diapers, hardware and outdoor winter clothing such as jackets and boots.