The eastern portion of the Great Northern Peninsula has shifted back to Alert Level 3 thanks to a cluster of cases of the Delta variant in the area.

There are five new confirmed cases of the virus reported today, all in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region, and all over the age of 40. Four of the cases are related to previously known cases while one of the cases is under investigation.

There are seven new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the province, including two in the Western Health region and five in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region.

Dr. Fitzgerald begins her update:

-five new cases, all in the Labrador-Grenfell health region.

-7 new presumptive positives, which are in the Labrafor-Grenfell Health/Western Health Regions@VOCMNEWS

— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) September 7, 2021

One person is in hospital, for a total of 35 active confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says there are eight cases linked to the COVID cluster on the Northern Peninsula prompting a recommendation to delay the opening of three schools in the region to allow for contact tracing. That includes Cloud River Academy in Roddickton, HG Fillier Academy in Englee, and Mary Simms All Grade in Main Brook.

A number of towns have also been moved back to Alert Level 3 because of community spread of the “highly infectious Delta variant” and a low vaccination rate in the region. That means masks will have to be worn indoors. The towns and communities include Roddickton-Bide Arm, Conche, Croque, Englee, St. Julien’s, and Main Brook.

Effective immediately, several communities on the Northern Peninsula east are moving to Alert Level 3. Fitzgerald says that's due to a cluster of cases of the delta variant, and she notes there are low vaccination numbers in that area @VOCMNEWS

— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) September 7, 2021