Newfoundland and Labrador is moving to the next stage of the reopening plan on Sunday—over two weeks ahead of schedule. The province will review the mandatory mask rule on August 9, two weeks after the province achieved 50 per cent of the eligible population being fully vaccinated.

The capacity at indoor gatherings has been increased to 350, outdoor 500. In both cases, social distancing must be maintained. As for personal gatherings such as house parties, the maximum would be the number of people who can fit in the space with social distancing.

There are no longer restrictions on capacity at lounges, dancing is permitted everywhere, but no food buffets can be offered.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald is concerned that 17 per cent of the eligible population has not had a single shot. She says the unvaccinated make up the majority of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

The province remains without any confirmed cases of COVID-19.