There is one new confirmed case of COVID-19 in the province today—a man in his 50s in the Eastern Health region.

The case is travel-related. There is one recovery, leaving 27 active cases in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says while the province is doing very well, the risk of future outbreaks is “real and significant” given the third wave affecting other areas of the country.

Starting next week, the health authorities will be opening up vaccination clinics to rotational workers and those who travel for work, which makes up one-third of all of the province’s travel declarations received through Public Health.

Starting Monday, April 26, the regional health authorities will open up vaccines to rotational workers, truck drivers, and flight crews.

Labrador-Grenfell Health has already opened up vaccines to those groups.

As of yesterday, there were over 6,000 new cases of COVID-19 in Canada as part of a third wave that is hitting the country hard. The highest proportion of COVID cases seen across Canada are among those under 30.

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says that’s because younger people are more likely to work in places where physical distancing is less possible, and are exposed to more contacts. They are also more likely to attend gatherings.

Dr. Fitzgerald says while she understands the importance of staying connected, she issued a special call to young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

“I assure you one day that this will be behind us,” says Fitzgerald, “but…we need you to control the controllable. Now is not the time for parties.”

Fitgerald also urged parents to understand the importance of keeping gatherings small.