Those looking to return to church, fitness facilities, and bars might get their wish sooner than expected, says the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

During yesterday’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald said the announcement of the transition to the next phase could happen next Wednesday, June 24.

The guidelines for Alert Level Two are still being worked out by government.

While a second wave is being predicted by experts both across the country and within the province, Dr. Fitzgerald says avoiding returning to a previous alert level is the goal.

She says now, while the prevalence of COVID-19 in the province is low, it is the best time to learn how to keep yourself safe while going about daily activities.

Maintaining physical distancing and practicing other personal measures will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 should more cases be introduced to the province.

She adds public health will be monitoring the situation for any community transmission or infections unrelated to travel.

She says we will certainly see more outbreaks, but if we can control them it would eliminate the need to revert to a previous alert level.

Move to Level One Doesn’t Mean No Restrictions in Place

When the province enters the final alert level, it doesn’t mean business as usual for residents, but rather how life will look until a vaccine is developed.

Dr. Fitzgerald, says physical distancing and maintaining minimal contact with those outside household bubbles will continue during Alert Level One.

Fitzgerald expects the virus to circulate within the province again.

She wants people to learn the right way to deal with this virus and to remain safe while carrying on with our daily activities.