Health Minister John Haggie is allaying fears with 13 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the province in the last few days.

Nearly all of the province’s cases can be linked directly or indirectly to travel.

Haggie says that’s led to questions and concerns about non-residents being allowed into the province. Haggie says there are a variety of reasons why travel exemptions are provided to those coming to the province.

He says most of the cases involve people who have moved away for work and are coming home because of family illness or bereavement.

Haggie also cites people with technical expertise who must be brought in to address needs that cannot be met locally. He offered equipment at the H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre that is crucial to ongoing cancer treatment that requires specialized maintenance from technicians who must be brought in.

He urges people to show compassion and understanding in those cases.