Health Minister John Haggie says he realizes placing restrictions on travel to and from Newfoundland and Labrador has been a tough pill for many to swallow. However, he says yesterday’s court ruling upholding that decision was an important reassurance.

The challenge to the ban was made by Kim Taylor, who wanted to return from Halifax for her mother’s funeral in May.

In his decision, Justice Donald Burrage said while her right to travel was infringed, it was justified in the context of a global pandemic.

Haggie noted the ban was only put in place to protect the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

“This wasn’t something we wanted to do. It’s something we felt we had to do.” – Health Minister John Haggie

He said the proof is in the results, given the continued low prevalence of the virus in the province.

Haggie added that the travel restrictions could remain in place until a proven vaccine is discovered and made widely available but said he doesn’t expect that to happen until next year at the earliest. He also pointed out almost 20,000 exemptions to the ban have been granted to date.

For now, however, given the surge in cases in other parts of Canada, the minister said there’s no doubt the ban has been effective, adding that the province’s geographic location, while often bemoaned for its isolation, has been a blessing in disguise.

“Now, it’s kind of worked to our advantage a little bit,” says Haggie.