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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.