The Canadian Recreation Vehicle Association has put forward recommendations to public health on how private campgrounds in the province can open safely before level two.
However, it does not appear as though government is going to budge.
Association President Shane Devenish says camping in an RV is no different than spending time in a “bubble” at the cabin.
He says the recommendations they brought forward addressed Dr. Fitzgerald’s concerns.
They recommended leaving public washrooms and playgrounds closed, restricting visitors and requiring all campers to continue practicing social distancing while remaining in their bubbles.
Devenish says that Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the only provinces not opening camping on June 1.
He says the province is fortunate to have some of the lowest case numbers in the country and if level two is maintained, the province will have the highest restrictions for camping. Devenish does not think it is fair to take away half their camping season.
They are also worried about the alternative – gravel pits or other parking areas.
According to Devenish, private campgrounds are the best way to go camping and to practice social distancing. They are concerned about a place such as a gravel pit because it is unsanitary.
Province Remains Firm on Current Guidelines
The premier says government understands that people want to go camping, and the chief medical officer is working with groups like the Canadian Recreation Vehicle Association to perform risk assessment.
Ball says if residents of Newfoundland and Labrador begin to break guidelines, the fear is that people could be exposed to the virus.
He says there is no question that these are difficult decisions, but the province has to begin reopening safely as it does not take much in a small province to have the number of cases rise again.