Roussin says masks conditionally not needed in church while seated

The Chief Public Health Officer is announcing a list of loosened restrictions, effective Saturday.

Starting on Saturday, mask restrictions in the province will be loosened in places of worship. 

While seated in a household group, Manitobans can remove their masks at a place of worship, if not singing. Masks are required while singing and when leaving their seating position. This is in effect until March 25.

"It has a significant effect in the faith-based gatherings," Roussin says, saying it was appropriate to remove that requirement. 

He says there is a low risk for people when removing a mask in these facilities if seated with families.

Roussin has found there has been a lot of contact tracing information when places of worship had a possible exposure.

Recently there have been two COVID-19 exposures at churches, one at a funeral, another on Sunday.

“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 licenced premises will give Manitobans an additional opportunity to gather with friends and colleagues in a safe environment," he says in a statement.

People will soon be able to visit loved ones in acute care facilities, including personal care homes starting next week. Non-medical masks will need to be swapped for a provided medical mask at the facility and will need to be worn until the visitors leave. This will begin sometime next week.

Outdoor patios will be allowed to seat up to six people in different households starting on Saturday.