Though Manitoba is gradually loosening restrictions and requirements stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Provincial Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin insists that these steps should not yet be seen as a return to normal.

The province began phase one of its reopening processes on Monday but a lot of businesses that were granted permission to reopen were not entirely sure how to do so. It seems part of the confusion lay in the distinction between the terms “order” and “advice”.

Provincial health orders, notes Roussin, identify a specific course of action that needs to be taken whereas provincial health advice is a recommendation made in the best interest of health and safety.

He cites the opening of restaurant patios as an example. The order indicates that patios can operate at no more than 50% of their regular capacity and that all tables need to be two metres apart. Meanwhile, the province advises against both gathering in groups of people from separate households and sitting nearer than two metres from another person. Therefore, if one is eating at a table with their friends they can be following provincial orders while not adhering to provincial advice.

“So there are the orders that are enforceable, and then there’s the strong public health advice,” states Roussin, urging people not to push the envelope. “This isn’t the time to get together with 10 of your friends and sit on a patio at the same table.”

Similarly, Roussin advises against shopping as a family, travelling to cottages across the Ontario border, and spending time with those outside of one's immediate circle.

Now that reopening has officially begun, not all specifics are detailed in full. Roussin acknowledges that but says his government was determined to move forward the moment it was safely feasible.

“Tough restrictions that were needed to be put in place have negative effects on health as well,” he says, “so as soon as we felt those restrictions could be loosened, we were committed to doing just that.”

While the province has given many businesses the ability to restart operations, Roussin stresses that reopening is not a directive: it is an option. Business owners who do not feel they have the necessary equipment or procedures in place to deal with COVID-19 concerns should not feel pressured to hurry. He adds anyone in the business world with ongoing questions is encouraged to ask them online at engagemb.ca.

To critics who are nervous about the reopening strategy, Roussin confirms that the province remains in a "good position", that they do “have the ability to roll things back if necessary”, and that the plan is safe "as long as everyone follows the guidance that is put out."