The Manitoba government is making two amendments to the public health orders currently in effect until March 25. Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's Chief Provincial Public Health Officer made that announcement on Friday.

The following changes to the current public health order are in effect as of Saturday, March 13 at 12:01 am:
• amending mask-use rules in churches to allow masks not to be used while household groups are seated at a service, are appropriately distanced from other groups and are not singing; and
• allowing outdoor dining on patios at restaurants and licensed premises for groups up to six people from different households.

"Manitoba's pandemic response system is designed to enable us to make adjustments where we can based on public feedback and COVID-19 indicators, while always ensuring the health and safety of all Manitobans remains our top priority," says Dr. Roussin. "With warmer temperatures and an early spring on the horizon, we continue to encourage Manitobans to engage in activities outdoors as much as possible. Removing the household-only limit to outdoor dining and licensed premises will give Manitobans an additional opportunity to gather with friends and colleagues in a safe environment."

Dr. Roussin says they have decided to amend the restaurant patio restriction because of the unseasonably mild weather.

"It was something we were going to put in once available," he says. "But it just seemed that the weather now permits at least somewhat realistically."

He notes outdoor transmission is less likely and groups of 10 people are allowed anyway.

"This might be just something that adds a little bit of extra hope, but doesn't add a lot of risk just because we're an outdoor environment," says Dr. Roussin.

He says while there are no limits on how many houses can be included in that group of six, his advice is still to limit it.

"Perhaps keep that with the people you are bubbling with, would be the best advice," he says. "But there isn't that specific requirement."

Dr. Roussin reminds Manitobans that following the fundamentals, including frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, physical distancing and wearing a mask in public places, is critical to keep Manitoba's COVID-19 curve down, especially as the province continues to gradually restart services and activities throughout the province.

With these changes, the public health orders continue to be in effect until March 25.