A rotational worker dealing with the sudden loss of his wife is entitled to an exemption to immediately be with his three children to grieve the loss.

Health Minister John Haggie says officials first became aware of the situation after details were posted on social media. Under current guidelines, he says there never was an obstacle to the man being with his family or visiting the funeral home.

Haggie says it was just a matter of conveying that information to someone who was obviously very distraught and tired after a long trip home under exceptionally sad circumstances.

The minister also said that government has flexible arrangements with funeral homes when it comes to people who are technically still in isolation.

In essence, Haggie says the man’s family is his bubble, adding that other relatives have also been granted exemptions to support him and his children through what must be a very difficult time.

The minister says the situation could have been resolved had someone called government’s exemption phone line, but he also appreciates the stress due to the suddenness of the death—which likely contributed to some of the initial confusion.