Government is implementing additional strict measures in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the province.
Premier Dwight Ball says health officers will be stationed at airports in St. John’s and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. As well, Fisheries and Wildlife officers will be stationed at Marine Atlantic terminals.
Ball says these officers will be distributing forms to people that will outline the necessary steps for self-isolation.
Also, he says the provincial government is partnering with the Canadian Red Cross to support those who are impacted by the requirement to self-isolate.
Premier Ball says if you have concerns or issues as a result of you, or a loved one being in self-isolation, the Red Cross will have a range of supports through their help-line.
He says the service is available to all residents and visitors in Newfoundland and Labrador that are impacted by the direction to self-isolate. The number to call is 1-800-863-6582.
Province Sets Up Reporting System
Government is teaming up with the RNC to crack down on self-isolation regulations.
The provincial government now has a process in place whereby people can alert authorities to a person they think is acting contrary to orders requiring them to self-isolate or go under quarantine.
A public report form is now available on the province’s COVID-19 information site, which asks the complainant to provide information on the potential violator.
Health Minister John Haggie says as of today, they’ll combine with police to tackle the complaints. Personnel will sort through the complaints and undertake investigations based on the information provided.
Haggie adds that the RNC may make some recommendations and they will take it from there.
The system went live Saturday evening.
State of Emergency Not Currently In the Books
(John Haggie gives update on social distancing from home.)
The province is not considering calling a State of Emergency, on top of the Public Health Emergency at this time.
Health Minister John Haggie says from the point of view of health legislation, the province has the most stringent orders possible in comparison to other jurisdictions.
He says they analyze the level of risk in the province on a daily basis, and what options are currently available.
Haggie says if there are measures that Dr. Fitzgerald and her team recommend that they cannot act under the Public Health Emergencies provision, they would then look to the Emergency Services Act.
At the moment, Haggie states they haven’t crossed that threshold. Should that happen, Haggie says they will go down that road.
