WINNIPEG – Shared Health is dropping its requirement for staff at most Manitoba health care settings to wear masks around patients.

According to a memo sent to staff last week, the mask mandate will end on Wednesday.

Facilities will still be mask friendly and masks and N95 respirators will still be available for anyone who wants to wear them.

Shared Health says the move is based on advice from experts.

Masks during direct contact with patients, residents and clients were reintroduced in October before the start of the cold and flu season.