Government is not considering calling a State of Emergency at this time, but are discussing all options.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says the province has strong public health legislation that allows them to think about a “public health emergency” rather than a full State of Emergency.

She says they’re having discussions but not considering a State of Emergency yet.

Dr. Fitzgerald says because people have been compliant and businesses have been following recommendations they don’t see it as necessary. But, if it’s something they need to consider in the future, they will.

Health Minister John Haggie says they haven’t been made aware of any “bottlenecks” in terms of resources that they can’t meet or get around with the current setup.

However, he says anything is possible over the next little while.

More Beneficial for Stores to Stay Open During Pandemic: Provincial Medical Officials

Meanwhile, Fitzgerald says certain essential services like drug stores and grocery stores need to stay open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

She recommends that employers keep their high touch services as clean as possible with frequent cleaning.

Fitzgerald adds that employees should be protected with proper handwashing and hand saniziter available. But, it’s important to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary.

Health Minister John Haggie says we need to think about what happened during Snowmageddon when shops were open for limited periods. There were long lineups around many stores, and he says their problem now is trying to prevent people clumping together. He says evidence would suggest that they’re better off having shops and malls open much longer to avoid crowding.