There are 30 new cases of COVID-19 in the province today, and the Chief Medical Officer of Health is tightening restrictions in the St. John’s – metro area.
All cases are in the Eastern Health region and all close contacts have been asked to quarantine. There are 57 active cases in the province, 53 of which are in the Eastern Health region. The remaining four are in Western Health’s region.
Of the cases announced today:
- 14 under 19 years of age
- Two between 20-39 years of age
- Five between 40-49 years of age
- Six between 50-59 years of age
- One between 60-69 years of age
- Two over 70 years of age
Dr. Jance Fitzgerald says with today’s numbers they can say “with certainty” that there is community spread in the area. She doesn’t have exact numbers but believes between 1,200 and 1,500 people are now in isolation.
To combat the latest outbreak, she is implementing what she calls a two-week “circuit-breaker” in the metro region as of midnight, involving the tightening of a number of restrictions.
Gatherings held by a recognized business or organization are limited to 20 people. That includes funerals, burials, weddings and faith-based organizations. Wakes are prohibited.
Events organized by non-recognized groups—such as family gatherings—will now be limited to household bubbles.
Bars, cinemas, and recreational institutions, such as gyms, arenas and dance studios must close as of midnight tonight.
Restaurants can operate at 50 per cent capacity given the normal COVID guidelines can be maintained.
Retail stores, including locations in shopping malls, are permitted to remain open in accordance with provincial guidelines.
However, group and team sport and recreation activities, as well as group arts and culture gatherings, are suspended.
Premier Andrew Furey and Health Minister Dr. John Haggie have both left the campaign trail to rejoin the briefings given the spike in numbers and community spread.
When asked about continuing to hold an election at this time, Furey says just because there is a severe situation doesn’t mean a safe election can’t be held. Ultimately, he directs back to Chief Electoral Officer Bruce Chaulk.
Furey says he’s running in an election, but not running the election, and reaffirms that the final decision lays in Chaulk’s hands.
Meanwhile, all staff and children associated with a Mount Pearl child care centre have been asked to quarantine for 14 days after a positive case associated with the facility was identified.
No new cases have yet been identified in high schools outside Mount Pearl Senior High, however, all high schools in the St. John’s – metro region are closed while contact tracing is carried out.
A temporary drive-through COVID testing clinic has been established at Mount Pearl Senior High while hours have been extended for the drive-through clinics at the Janeway and Waterford hospitals.
Those getting tested must arrange for an appointment through the province’s COVID website.