Newfoundland and Labrador is taking a phased-in approach to reopening the province to the rest of Canada as early as July 1 if vaccination rates and epidemiology allow.
The province released its “Together Again” plan early this afternoon.
Starting June 15, the province will start seeing some public health measures lift during what government is calling the “transition phase” leading up to July 1.
(Stock photo.)
Residents will still be required to wear a mask in indoor public spaces and maintain physical distancing, but outdoor public gatherings of up to 150 people will be allowed—including community fireworks displays, parades, and outdoor ceremonies.
Outdoor personal gatherings will expand to 30 people, while indoor personal gatherings will still be limited to your “Steady 20.”
Outdoor sports tournaments will be allowed as part of Return to Play Plans, and a gradual return to offices and workplaces will be allowed.
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says while they are still recommending the use of masks through most of its reopening plan, the province may reconsider mandatory masking as time wears on.
The goal of mandatory masking says Fitzgerald is to reduce the risk of spread, but as the epidemiology evolves and if the risk is low, they may reconsider that Special Measures Order.
Phase 1: as early as July 1
The first phase of the reopening plan, starting as early as Canada Day, will depend on first dose vaccination rates of 75 per cent of all residents 12 and older, and low COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations.
- Non-essential travel from within Canada permitted. Fully vaccinated Canadians have no testing or self-isolation requirements. Partially vaccinated Canadians must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result administered within three days of their departure date, or self-isolate following arrival until receipt of a negative test result. Unvaccinated Canadians must self-isolate for 14 days following arrival.
- Mixed groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated adult travellers follow the rules for unvaccinated travellers. Vaccinated adults travelling with unvaccinated children under the age of 12 years follow the rules applicable to the adults’ vaccination status.
- Fully and partially vaccinated rotational workers coming from outbreak sites are tested upon arrival and self-isolate until receipt of a negative test result.
- Unvaccinated workers follow current testing and isolation protocols.
- Outdoor gatherings up to 250 people with physical distancing. Indoor gatherings up to 200 people or 75 per cent capacity with physical distancing (whichever is less).
- Outdoor personal gatherings up to 50 people. Indoor personal gatherings limited to a household and their Steady 20.
- No capacity restrictions for retail stores as long as physical distancing can be maintained between patrons.
- Restaurants and lounges can open at 75 per cent capacity, with physical distancing maintained between patrons seated at adjacent tables. Self-serve buffets are prohibited.
- Outdoor sports tournaments permitted with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place.
- Cohorting continues at child care centres, after school programs and day camps; cohorts can be combined for outdoor play.
- Continued return to work. Workplaces can have small in-person meetings.
(Image courtesy Deer Lake Airport.)
Phase 2: as early as August 15
As early as August 15, the second phase may come into effect depending on low case counts and vaccination rates of 80 per cent of people 12 and older having their first shot, and 50 per cent with both doses.
- Fully and partially vaccinated Canadians have no testing or self-isolation requirements. Unvaccinated Canadians are tested on day 7, 8 or 9, and self-isolate until receipt of a negative test result.
- Mixed groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated adult travellers follow the rules for unvaccinated travellers. Vaccinated adults travelling with unvaccinated children under the age of 12 years follow the rules applicable to the adults’ vaccination status.
- Fully and partially vaccinated rotational workers coming from outbreak sites are tested upon arrival and are not required to self-isolate. Unvaccinated workers follow current testing and isolation protocols.
- Outdoor formal gatherings up to 500 people with physical distancing. Indoor formal gatherings up to 350 people as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
- Personal gatherings limited to the number of people that can fit in the space with physical distancing.
- No capacity restrictions at restaurants and lounges, with physical distancing maintained between patrons seated at adjacent tables. Self-serve buffets are prohibited.
- Indoor and outdoor sports tournaments permitted with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place.
- Cohorting continues at child care centres, after school programs and day camps; large group outdoor activities are permitted.
- Continued return to the workplace. Larger meetings and conferences can happen.
Phase 3: as early as September 15
Step 3, which could come as early as September 15, and depending on 80 per cent of the population 12 and up receiving both doses.
- Fully and partially vaccinated Canadians have no testing or self-isolation requirements. Unvaccinated Canadians self-isolate until receipt of a negative test result. Vaccinated adults travelling with unvaccinated children
- Fully and partially vaccinated rotational workers coming from non-outbreak sites have no testing or self-isolation requirements, but those workers coming from outbreak sites are tested upon arrival but are not required to self-isolate. Unvaccinated workers follow current testing and isolation protocols.
- Formal outdoor gatherings have no capacity restrictions with physical distancing. Increased capacity at indoor gatherings to be determined based on current evidence. This includes funeral home visitation.
- No capacity restrictions at restaurants and lounges, with physical distancing maintained between patrons seated at adjacent tables. Self-serve buffets are prohibited.
- Indoor and outdoor sports tournaments permitted with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place.
- Workplaces are back to normal with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place, as required.
View the province’s plan “Together Again” at this link.
Click the image below to view the province’s summary page for its plan “Together Again.”
