Winnipeg Free Press Divisions ordering another PPE layer of defence against COVID-19 Save to Read Later Faced with rising COVID-19 cases and highly infectious variants, Manitoba schools are adding another item to their arsenal of personal protective equipment: eyewear. Faced with rising COVID-19 cases and highly infectious variants, Manitoba schools are adding another item to their arsenal of personal protective equipment: eyewear. Public health officials are now supporting the use of both medical masks and eye protection by teachers and staff "who are unable to consistently and reliably maintain two metres of distance," a government spokesperson confirmed Friday. Manitoba Education has received orders for upwards of 85,000 "frames with lenses" and 4,700 face shields from 34 school divisions.