There is one new confirmed case of COVID-19 in the province today. There are five active cases in the province and no one is in hospital.

In the meantime, officials expect that up to 80 per cent of all eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will have received their first dose of COVID vaccine by the end of day on Friday, while 20 per cent will have received their second dose around that time.

That’s good news as the province moves into Phase 1 of its reopening plan.

Newfoundland and Labrador will begin accepting travelers from across Canada tomorrow for the first time since May of last year.

While many restrictions surrounding gatherings are easing, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says Special Measures Orders remain in place.

The main one being wearing a mask in public. Masks are mandatory even for people who are fully vaccinated.

The reopening plan which comes into effect tomorrow includes the easing of a number of restrictions Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been living with for more than a year.

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald outlined some of those changes which come into effect as of midnight tonight.

Up to 250 people are allowed for formal outdoor gatherings and 200 for formal indoor gatherings if physical distancing can be maintained.

Capacity restrictions are being lifted for retail stores as long as physical distancing can be maintained, and restaurants and lounges can open to 75 per cent capacity as long as distancing is maintained between tables.

Self-serve buffets will remain closed.