Businesses, epidemiologist express concerns over Manitoba lifting mask mandate
Come Saturday, Manitoba will no longer be required to wear a mask in an indoor public setting, which has some concerned about the message being sent.
The change is part of the province's updated health orders, changed to reflect rising vaccination rates, with the mask mandate changing to a "recommendation."
"Public health will no longer require mask use under the public health orders," Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin said Tuesday.
Mask use will still be recommended for Manitobans who are not fully vaccinated and children under the age of twelve, who are not currently eligible for vaccination. Masks will also continue to be required during entry and while in health-care facilities, including hospitals and personal care homes, the province said. Medical masks will be provided by the facility.
Epidemiologist Cynthia Carr is concerned over the message the province is sending by lifting the mask mandate.
"When you're given an option to wear or not wear a mask, it certainly does imply that there isn't much risk to not wearing a mask, or else it wouldn't be an option," she said.
Not wearing a mask certainly poses a public health risk, said Carr, especially since the highly contagious Delta variant is now circulating in Manitoba.
"My preference would be that (masks) would be the last layer of protection removed," she said, adding that not requiring masks indoors poses risks for young unvaccinated children when school resumes.
Businesses can still require customers to wear masks, which will be the case at Unique Bunny on Osborne Street, one of the first Winnipeg businesses to implement an in-store mask policy last year.
"We have a responsibility to protect our employees and their families,” said Kazumi Yoshino, assistant manager at Unique Bunny.
"Maybe some of our customers will reject to wear a mask indoors," she said. "We just can't."
Based on conversations with business owners and operators, The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce expects most businesses will maintain a mask-wearing policy for their employee's safety, but also to ensure customers feel comfortable walking around inside.
"I think if you just decide on Saturday, 'We don't have to wear masks anymore, no rules,' I don't think you're going to have a business a lot of people are going to feel comfortable going into," said Chuck Davidson, CEO for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
Davidson said lifting restrictions on retail and most other business sectors is a positive development, but, he said, removing a mask mandate could make some Manitobans less likely to head to a store or restaurant.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.