Two years after they were first imposed, an end to COVID restrictions appears to be in sight.
Public Health officials are anticipating that all COVID restrictions will be lifted – including masking, physical distancing and capacity limitations – by March 14th.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald today outlined the stepped program to take the province there, emphasizing the fact that the changes are based on epidemiology, the province’s high vaccination rate, and the availability of therapeutic drugs.
She says public health makes decisions on a population level by relying on science and evidence.
She acknowledges that Public Health has never shied away from making difficult or unpopular decisions based on evidence.
“We would go where the science leads us, and that’s exactly what we’re doing now,” says Fitzgerald.
She says the first step is the easing of certain restrictions on Monday, February 21st including expanding gatherings to 25 people, church and faith-based services expanding to 75 per cent capacity where vaccines passports are in place and the expansion of capacity in fitness centres, gyms and restaurants to 75 per cent.
There is no change in the restrictions surrounding bars and lounges at this time.
Further restrictions will be eased on February 28th,and, if all goes well, all restrictions are expected to be lifted by March 14th.
Province Approaching the End of Daily Case Numbers
The province is reporting three more deaths linked to COVID-19, but Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says the day is approaching when daily reporting of COVID cases will cease.
She says it’s likely that the province will start reporting COVID cases on a weekly basis, like seasonal flu cases have been reported in the past.
Fitzgerald says while masks will no longer be mandated by mid-March, they are still being strongly encouraged and people need to respect those who choose to continue wearing their masks and businesses that continue to require masks to be worn.
There are 179 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 being reported today.
There are 16 people in hospital, including six in critical care.
There are 176 recoveries, leaving 1,696 active cases in the province.
