It was an emotional COVID-19 update today for Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald.
There were no new reported cases of COVID-19 in the province today. The total number of cases remains 266, four of which are still active.
Dr. Fitzgerald bade farewell to two colleagues who have played important roles in public health and the pandemic briefings that have occurred on a regular basis since March.
(Dr. Janice Fitzgerald presents the COVID-19 update on July 29, 2020.)
She paid a special tribute today to team member, Colleen Simms, the assistant deputy minister for population health who retires at the end of the week.
Fitzgerald acknowledged that while Simms may not be publicly known, the role she plays in mental health and addictions has touched the lives of people in ways in which they may not be aware.
(Health Minister John Haggie, outgoing premier Dwight Ball, and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald.)
She also offered her thanks to Premier Dwight Ball who attended his final COVID-update today. She wished him well and concluded with “I hope you get some well-deserved rest.”
Premier Dwight Ball offered his thanks as well to the “small but mighty” team who have been involved in the regular briefings, and made a special presentation to Dr. Janice Fitzgerald.
He pulled from under the desk a gift package from the Newfoundland Chocolate Company, and a road sign reading “Fitzgerald Way.”
