Minor changes, 3 week extension, coming to public health orders

Changes are coming to care homes across Manitoba, allowing more visitors into these spaces by the end of the week.

Minor changes to the Public Health Orders will be implemented on Friday. This includes allowing liquor cart sales on golf courses. Self-help meetings can gather in groups of up to 25 people.

These new orders, along with the current health orders, will be in place until April 30.

The province says in a statement this is "due to increasing test positivity rates and the risk posed by variants of concern in Manitoba at this time."

Dr. Brent Roussin is announcing that personal care homes are able to open up to more visitors.

Starting Friday, up to two general, undesignated, visitors can visit a personal care home resident outside at the same time.

"The risk is lower outdoors but it is certainly isn't zero. We do see outdoor transmission here and in other parts of the country," Roussin says in a press conference Thursday. "Enjoy the spring weather. Be active, be outside, but do remember those gathering sizes."

Roussin is recommending people use masks while at outside gatherings.

One general visitor can see a PCH resident inside a designated visiting room or COVisitation shelter.

"Visitors will be required to wear a medical-grade mask, which will be provided by the facility."

Designated visitors can continue to visit in the resident's room. End-of-life circumstances will continue to be allowed for visits.