The State of Emergency will remain in effect in the capital city. Officials expect all restrictions will be lifted by 6 a.m. on Saturday.
St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen, flanked by Deputy Manager of Public Works Lynnann Winsor, says people who work in municipalities outside St. John’s are allowed to travel to work, and all medical, health and dental practitioners are allowed to open as of 8 a.m. today.
The SOE is in effect until at least Saturday at 6:00 a.m..
There will be an official update on Friday.
There is no temporary lift like in Mount Pearl.
There are just exceptions under the SOE as listed below. @VOCMNEWS #snowmaggedon2020 https://t.co/m4p4LQItIb pic.twitter.com/3MBBGA5XJv
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) January 22, 2020
Pharmacies and food stores are allowed to open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As well, gas stations are permitted to open as per normal.
The city expects, barring any further snowfall events, that most roads will be widened by early next week.
Once that widening is complete they will begin to address sidewalks.
A full list of exemptions to the State of Emergency can be found below.
Officials Seeking Solution to Missed Pay
(Photo by Earl Noble.)
St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen says the city will meet with the provincial and federal governments to see what can be done for people who have been forced out of work without pay for nearly a week.
Mayor Breen says the Premier has already indicated that help might be forthcoming.
He assures that the city is going to do its best to help those workers.
State of Emergency Protocol Antiquated
(Photo by Earl Noble.)
Mayor Danny Breen admits the city’s State of Emergency protocols need to be modernized and updated.
Looking back 35 years, the set protocols weren’t an issue. However, Breen says they’re now dealing with a region, and the current State of Emergency protocols don’t address that.
Mayor Breen says all aspects of resident’s lives have changed dramatically over the last four decades.
At that time, service stations sold only gas and a few items, while drug stores only sold medications. All that has changed.
Rec Centres to Remain Closed
Regardless of when the State of Emergency is lifted, recreational facilities in the city of St. John’s will remain closed until Monday.
That includes all community centers, the Railway Coastal Museum and the Winter Activity Centres at Pippy Park and Bowring Park.
All weekend programs, rental and public events at recreation facilities are cancelled.
People with an affected booking or who are involved in a particular program, are asked not to call 311 – staff will contact you directly.
Another update is coming on Sunday.
Portugal Cove-St. Phillips Lifts State of Emergency
The town of Portugal Cove-St. Phillips has officially lifted their state of emergency.
Over the last number of days, the State of Emergency had been lifted at 6 a.m. and reinstated at 9 p.m.
The town is still asking residents to be mindful while out on the roads, however, as snowclearing operations are continuing.
Paradise Continues Temporary Lift of State of Emergency
The State of Emergency in Paradise will be temporarily lifted again today, however the Paradise Double Ice Complex will be open.
The Town Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Paradise Double Ice Complex—including the Body Quest Fitness Centre—is open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m..
Paradise is offering special recreation programming to give residents options to get out and about after the severe weather.
Street widening is underway and hydrant clearing will begin today.
The State of Emergency will go back into effect at midnight to assist with snow clearing efforts.
