Manitoba's top doctor says it is unfortunate that there is confusion concerning the most recent public health order.Dr. Brent Roussin announced on Tuesday that social contacts in our province will be reduced to your household only. However, when the public health order was issued first thing Thursday morning it mentioned: "social gatherings are not permitted, and gatherings of more than 5 people from outside a single household will be subject to fines."

This has caused many people to question whether households can now invite up to five people into their homes.

"The message has and continues to be clear," says Dr. Roussin. "The message is, stay home. The message is, do not socialize outside of your household."

The public health order states: Social contacts must be reduced to your household only. Social gatherings are not permitted, and gatherings of more than 5 people from outside a single household will be subject to fines.

Dr. Roussin explains public health orders are simply a tool, and can not always be identical to the strong recommendations of public health. He notes, similar to other laws, public health orders need to be black and white. And, he admits it is difficult when you take into account the myriad of possibilities that occur day to day.

For example, some people are called upon to help out family or friends.

"When we have a black and white order, we have to be aware of people in circumstances where they rely on certain family or friends to provide care to them," explains Dr. Roussin. "People who are at home and vulnerable and require some assistance from friends or neighbours or family, you don't need to be afraid that you're going to get fined. But other people, you should just socialize within your household."

Dr. Roussin warns the public not to try and find ways around these public health orders.

"Socialize only with members of your household," urges Dr. Roussin. "Unlike in spring, we have public health orders that are quite enforceable on those group sizes, even within private residences."

Dr. Roussin says if we can dramatically reduce our contacts, the number of active cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba will come down.

"These are the most restrictive orders we've had to date in Manitoba," he says. "And it's because we're at a very critical juncture. Our hospitals are nearing capacity and so we need to ensure we're stepping up now to reduce our contacts."