Mandatory mask rules in the province could be lifted as early as mid-August if vaccination rates remain on target.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald made the announcement during Wednesday’s live COVID-19 briefing.

Fitzgerald says 42 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are fully vaccinated, with the province on track to reach 50 per cent by next week.

That means the province could lift its mandatory mask policy for public indoor places sooner than expected.

Fitzgerald says that’s assuming the epidemiology remains stable two weeks after the province reaches that 50 per cent number.

No new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the province on Wednesday, with all 49 active cases linked to three ships anchored in Newfoundland waters.

One of those ships has since departed, with another scheduled to leave Thursday.

Meanwhile, health officials are scaling back the number of COVID-19 advisories issued each week.

Beginning next week, updates will be provided around 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Live briefings will continue to take place once every two weeks.

The next live briefing is set for Thursday, August 5th to accommodate the Regatta Day holiday.

If the Regatta is postponed, the briefing will take place on August 4th.