WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is to reveal today its plan to let students return to school.

The province's chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, has said the aim is to make going back to school as normal as possible with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing.

Manitoba's COVID-19 case counts have been dropping sharply in recent weeks and the province has loosened its public health restrictions.

Starting Saturday, mask wearing will be suggested but no longer required by the province in many indoor public areas.

Ontario revealed its school plan earlier this week.

It includes relaxed rules on using shared spaces, like libraries and cafeterias, but indoor mask requirements are to continue for those in Grade 1 and up.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2021.

The Canadian Press