An increase in COVID cases, including an increased number of the Omicron variant are leading to new public health measures in the province.
Forty-six new cases of COVID are being reported in the province today leaving 76 active cases.
Eleven cases are in the Eastern Health region, four are in Central Health and 31 are in the Western Health region.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says while the majority of cases are the Delta variant, more Omicron cases have been identified.
The exact number of Omicron cases is not yet known as most are presumptive and have yet to be lab confirmed, but Fitzgerald expects they will be positive.
As of today, anyone who is identified as a high-risk contact of a positive case must isolate for seven days.
Dr. Fitzgerald calls it “a temporary measure recognizing that we are in the very early stages of dealing with the Omicron variant.
In the meantime a number of other restrictions come into effect as of midnight tonight.
They include the cancellation of tournaments that are taking place out-of-region.
That includes travel for amateur sport including tournaments and training camps are cancelled for the time being.
Events within the same region can still go ahead.
Public Health officials are trying to avoid bringing together large groups from various regions.
Restrictions are also being placed on businesses and gatherings starting on Monday.
Changes are also being made for businesses and gatherings that will take effect Monday, December 20 at 12:01 am:
- Weddings, funerals, burials, religious and cultural ceremonies are limited to 50 per cent venue capacity, where NLVaxx Pass is in place and 25 per cent capacity where NLVaxx Pass is not in place.
- Spectators and attendees at fitness facilities, arenas, performance spaces, cinemas, and bingo halls are limited to 50 per cent venue capacity.
- Bars and lounges are limited to 50 per cent capacity with physical distancing.
- Restaurants are limited to 75 per cent capacity with physical distancing.
- Employees are also encouraged to work from home where possible.
- There are no changes to informal gatherings such as those in a home. These remain limited to a maximum of 25 people.
Wait Period Between Second COVID Vaccine and Booster Shot Reduced
In the meantime, the number of weeks between the second COVID vaccine and the booster shot has been shortened to 22 weeks.
Premier Andrew Furey says work is now underway to secure supply for distribution to pharmacies which will administer the vaccine to those 30 years of age and older.
He’s spoken with the President of the Pharmacy Association to discuss supply chain logistics and will be “amping up” mass vaccination clinics to meet demand.
Officials Hoping to Keep Schools Open, NLTA Responds
With only three scheduled school days left before the Christmas break, officials are hoping to keep schools open for the time being, but Fitzgerald wouldn’t rule out an extended Christmas break if the situation changes.
She expects students will be back in class on Monday, but if that situation changes, an update will be provided over the weekend.
The NLTA, meanwhile, is asking why the provincial government has not moved to close K-12 schools early for Christmas break to help control further possible spread of COVID-19.
President Trent Langdon says in recent days the number of exposures and “high risk” contacts related to school communities is growing.
He’s calling on government to take a proactive approach, by instituting an earlier start date for the Christmas break to eliminate the risk of further spread.