Newfoundland and Labrador has 15 new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19.

That brings to 24 the number of cases in the province.

14 of the 15 new cases are in the Eastern Health region, and one in the Central Health region.

Eight of the new Eastern Health region cases are linked to previous cases, two are related to travel and the rest are under investigation. The new Central Health case is linked to a previous case.

“The time is now” to act says Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald.

All gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.

Effective immeaditely, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald is ordering the following businesses closed:

Personal service establishments, including spa’s, esthetic services, hair salons, body piercing, tattooing and tanning salons.

Retail stores, unless they provide services essential to the life, health and personal safety of humans and animals.

The exmeptions are: stores that sell food, pharmaceutical products, medicine and medical devices, personal hygeine, cleaning and baby and childcare products. Gas stations, computer and cellphone service and repair, electronic and office supplies, and pet and animal supplies may also stay open.

Restaurants are ordered to close in-person dining, take-out and drive-through services are allowed to remain open.