Health Minister John Haggie says the fight against COVID-19 is more like a lengthy marathon, and not a sprint.

Haggie didn’t hold back when speaking about the lasting impact COVID-19 could have on society.

He says distancing is going to have to be a way of life for the next little while, because we have to prevent and reduce the risk of subsequent waves.

The only way to do that, he says, is by following the public health measures in place.

Haggie says due to the unpredictability of the virus, and even discussions on whether a vaccine produced for COVID-19 will work if COVID-20 emerges, we have to think about an 18- to 24-month marathon.

However, Haggie says a vaccine may come and be usable against the virus. He claims the virus is a “sneaky little devil,” and they really don’t know where it’s going to go next.

Haggie reminds people to physically distance, and wear a mask if you cannot do so. He reiterated to make a bubble for your family, stay in your bubble, and don’t burst anyone else’s.

The minister says this has to be the way of life in Newfoundland and Labrador, and around the globe for the next while.

Province Working on Plan to Allow Elective Surgeries

Meanwhile, Minister Haggie says allowing elective surgeries and procedures is top of mind for regional health authorities.

Haggie says a plan on relaxing some restrictions, similar to what’s happening in other provinces, will be brought forward soon.

He says other government departments like tourism will have their own view on what should be done.

Haggie says from a health point of view, bringing in to action measures to reduce the backlog of people who have had to wait for elective surgeries is certainly top of mind.