Wear do we go from here? Manitobans ‘empowered’ to make own health decisions as mask mandate, COVID-19 isolation requirement ends By: Dylan Robertson Posted: 7:00 PM CDT Monday, Mar. 14, 2022

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This article was published 13/03/2022 (921 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Despite making masks optional, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said she’ll be covering her face while doing errands, as venues across Winnipeg opt to stick with mask mandates.

“If people want to continue to wear their masks, good for them,” Stefanson told reporters Monday, on the eve of Manitoba lifting most of its remaining pandemic restrictions.

“It’s sort of a transition phase we’re going through.”

On Tuesday, Manitoba will scrap its mask mandate and COVID-19 isolation requirements. But Winnipeggers will find a stricter approach at the airport, optometry offices, most museums and universities.

Federal rules require passengers to mask up at the Winnipeg airport and while on a plane, and air travel remains restricted to those who have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or a vetted exemption.

A similar approach will be in place when visiting the eye doctor. The Manitoba Association of Optometrists says its members “should continue to require patients to wear a non-medical or medical mask, for the duration of their appointment.”

Some cultural venues still require visitors to wear masks, including the Manitoba Museum and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The same goes for federal office buildings and Crown corporations such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Royal Canadian Mint.

“Probably, going to the grocery store I’m going to continue to wear my mask; I think it’s something that I’ve just become accustomed to.” – Premier Heather Stefanson

Both the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg will both require vaccinations or exemptions to access most campuses, where masks must also be worn indoors until at least early May. Both universities are asking students and staff to isolate if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Meanwhile, Shared Health continues to require staff to use face masks and eye protection “for all patient interactions,” and gloves in certain circumstances. Patients and visitors will still have to wear masks in all health-care facilities.

Otherwise it’s up to private businesses, schools and daycares to set their own rules on masks and isolation.

“This is a process for everyone to take at their own pace, and we need to remember to support each other as it happens,” wrote Manitoba’s chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, in a Monday news release.

He said guidance could change as the novel coronavirus evolves, “but now Manitobans are empowered to make their own decisions about what is right for themselves and their families.”

The disease has killed 10 Manitobans in the past week.

Starting Tuesday, people will be asked to stay home if sick, but the province’s COVID-19 isolation requirement has been removed.

Roussin, who was not made available for an interview Monday, noted in the release that restrictions place a toll on health, and that Tuesday’s changes “may cause different stress and anxiety for some.”

Stefanson told reporters Monday she’ll take steps to go beyond her government’s loosened rules.

“Probably, going to the grocery store I’m going to continue to wear my mask; I think it’s something that I’ve just become accustomed to,” she said.

NDP health critic Uzoma Asagwara argued the Progressive Conservatives are leaving individuals and businesses to fill a leadership gap, as looser protocols risk putting even more strain on the province’s massive backlog of surgeries and diagnostic tests.

“Instead of putting people first, Premier Stefanson told Manitobans they were on their own,” they wrote. “The PCs continue to abdicate responsibility.”

Many are watching Saskatchewan to see whether its decision to lift almost all restrictions on Feb. 28 puts added pressure on the health-care system, which officials say they’re closely monitoring now that 14 days have passed (the maximum transmission period for COVID-19).

As of last week, 54 per cent of Manitoba adults had a booster shot, compared with 56 per cent of Canadian adults. All adults are eligible for their third shot, which is restricted for children to certain categories.

“Even if there are no requirements, depending on the virus activity level, people should choose to wear a mask.” – Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer

Last month, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said it was prudent to keep a mask on if cases rise, or if an individual has increased vulnerability to COVID-19.

“Even if there are no requirements, depending on the virus activity level, people should choose to wear a mask,” Tam said on Feb. 25.

“It may be the last thing that you want to remove in your personal armamentarium of tools.”

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca

— with files from Carol Sanders