Health expert says share the love - but at a distance

Showing appreciation for loved ones is looking different this Valentine's Day.

Manitoba's Deputy Chief Public Health Officer is anticipating the common practice of handing out Valentine's Day cards at schools to continue this year and is offering advice on how to do it safely.

"One suggestion is that students provide their cards to the teacher and the teacher does the distribution so lots of people are not handling cards at once," Dr. Jazz Atwal says.

He says handwashing before and after handling cards and avoiding touching your face will help prevent transmission. 

Licking envelopes are not encouraged.

Many schools have already shared guides with parents on how classrooms will handle the day.

For couples living in the same household bubble, they could celebrate the day by visiting a dining room.

Scot McTaggart, the owner of Fusion Grill, says they are excited to share their love of food this Valentine's Day, whether it is delivered or in their dining room.

“It’s exciting, it’s scary, but we’re grateful and we’re optimistic," McTaggart says. “We have to start somewhere, and hopefully, things will get better.”

Restaurants will be able to open at a 25 per cent capacity limit starting Friday.

Couples who are not in the same household can spend Valentine's Day together, but the doctor says if meeting in-person to do it outside.

"You could grab a coffee or hot chocolate or go for a walk," Atwal says.

Several community groups and performers, such as Steve Bell, are using the at-home Valentine's Day as an opportunity to host online shows. The Spence Neighbourhood Association is using the day to deliver cookies, raising funds to give neighbourhood youth employment opportunities.

Museums and art galleries will be open for Valentine's Day at a 25 per cent maximum capacity. Outdoor gatherings of five people or fewer are allowed, and households can continue to have their two designated people visit socially indoors.