Health Minister John Haggie says an incident involving a group of US soldiers seen in business establishments in the downtown a few days ago was a case of miscommunication. Haggie was responding to the case that set social media afire earlier this week.

The soldiers, on 24-hour layover in St. John’s, were required to self isolate on their arrival in the capital city, but were instead seen visiting local businesses.

Haggie says the province took matters into its own hands after learning of some ambiguity provided to the soldiers through the Canada Border Services Agency. He says there was a misinterpretation—or failure in communication—whereby the servicemen were left with the impression they had leeway to “do what they did.”

Premier Dwight Ball says he’s pleased to see the case so broadly reported by the public.

Ball says he’s encouraged by how “aware and keen” the public appears to be when it comes to failure to abide by public health restrictions in place.