Manitoba's top doctor clarifies mask rules in wake of politicians' maskless photos
Manitoba's top doctor is clarifying some rules about wearing masks in public places.
The topic of mask wearing in indoor public places has been front and centre in Manitoba after three Manitoba MLAs apologized for not wearing masks while taking a picture at an event last week.
Families Minister Rochelle Squires, Health Minister Audrey Gordon and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox were all pictured at an event Saturday at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) without their masks on.
Winnipeg councillor Markus Chambers was also briefly seen with his mask off while taking a picture.
All have since apologized for the incident.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, offered some clarification about the rules on Wednesday. He said while people should be wearing masks the majority of the time, there are exceptions.
"Performers are allowed to remove their masks, people speaking at these events are allowed to remove their masks. Certainly, you are allowed to remove your mask for a brief period of time to receive a service such as taking a picture. We know you can remove your mask if you are going to consume a beverage or meal," said Roussin.
He added the mask should be put back on as soon as possible afterward.
Roussin said he didn't have the specifics from the WAG event but said if the masks were off just for a picture, that is acceptable.
Gordon offered a second apology on Tuesday following another picture from the weekend event at the WAG showing her standing maskless with a group of people.
In a statement to CTV News, Manitoba Justice said it, "has consistently confirmed that all credible reports are assessed for further action, which may include education, warnings or fines."
Gordon did say that if she was given a ticket for not wearing a mask, she would pay for it.
-With files from CTV's Danton Unger and Josh Crabb
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Auston Matthews returns for Game 7, but Leafs minus injured goaltender Joseph Woll
Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews returned to the lineup for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.