Local restaurants are adding patio services as part of the province's first phase of reopening the economy.

"We've missed all of our staff and customers, so it's very nice to open those doors again," Karina Bueckert with the Country Kitchen in Winkler says. "Everybody is looking for any sort of normalcy again and we're very excited to have that back."

Under the new rules, patrons must maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges, and all businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 percent of normal business levels.

"We look forward to being 100 percent full again, but for now we're thankful."

Kenton Hoeppner at Boston Pizza in Morden says it was difficult to see a majority of their staff temporarily laid off, but they're excited to bring back more of the crew and serve guests again.

"We look forward to seeing everyone again," he says, adding the Boston Pizza patio will open on May 11.

Boston Pizza will open its patio on May 11

The City of Winkler is also allowing restaurants to temporarily create patio spaces if they don't already have them. Officials say it's one way to help support local businesses while safeguarding the health and safety of residents.

The city has also set out the following guidelines:

-Maintain on-site parking at a minimum ratio of one parking stall for every 4 seats provided for dining purposes on the outdoor patio.

-Separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic systems by installing temporary physical barriers such as bumper guards, wheel stops, steel, wood or masonry walls or ornamental fences in order to prevent a vehicle from encroaching onto the outdoor patio.

-Provide signage to clearly identify the entrance and exit of the patio area and separate the entrance from the exit where possible.

-Space tables and chairs in accordance with Provincial and Federal Health Orders.

-A building permit will continue to be required prior to the installation of a any overhead pergolas with or without a covering. Pop-up umbrellas may be used to protect patrons from sun and rain if desired.