Manitoba's Chief Provincial Public Health Officer says they are currently working on further loosening restrictions related to COVID-19.

Dr. Brent Roussin says it probably will not be done as an official phase. But, he says there are still a few things required to be closed due to public health orders, and they are looking at how to open those and then also loosen restrictions on things like outdoor group sizes. He notes they are also looking at ways to safely increase capacity for faith based organizations.

"We don't have a specific date but that's something that we're currently working on," says Dr. Roussin.

Dr. Roussin says there will be restrictions in place for almost any type of business for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, he notes it is difficult to say whether Manitoba will get to a point this fall where it will be hosting large sporting events with fans. Dr. Roussin says because of the fall respiratory virus season, our province will need to be cautious again. But, he admits Manitoba is probably further ahead today than he would have expected back in April or May.

"Don't close the door on any options but I think this fall we're going to still need to be cautious about very large gatherings," he says.