The provincial government says some restrictions will begin to be lifted as of May 11, if the numbers remain low.
As of today, the provincial government says people are now able to connect with one other ‘household bubble’ outside of their own—similar to what’s been happening in New Brunswick.
The COVID-19 alert levels are broken down into five different categories. As of May 11, the province will move into ‘Alert Level 4,’ meaning low-risk, non-essential businesses and low-risk outdoor recreation—such as golfing—can resume.
That also includes the resumption of some medical procedures in regional health authorities. Funerals will be permitted to have a maximum of 10 people in attendance—including the officiant.
Childcare centres will also be able to expand, on a limited capacity.
The next phase will see private healthcare clinics and medium-risk businesses and restaurants reopen—at a reduced capacity.
That won’t happen, however, until COVID-19 transmission is under control, following the first phase.
Measures such as restrictions on visitors to hospitals, long-term and personal care homes, the one-worker / one-home policy, and self-isolation for those returning to the province remain in place.
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says low-risk businesses and activities are those that include a limited number of contacts, and that those contacts are less intense. They include businesses like garden centres, financial services and law offices.
Recreational activities include things like golfing and hunting, although she admits that activities like golfing will look very different. Clubhouses for instance won’t be open, but you can still go out on the links.
Dr. Fitzgerald says be prepared for a life without mass gatherings or travel outside the province for the foreseeable future.
She says that means that festivals and concerts planned for the summer and fall won’t be able to go ahead. International travel will not be possible for the foreseeable future and she encourages people to vacation at home.
The Department of Health and Community Services says for the foreseeable future, all NLers must continue to abide by the following personal public health measures.
- Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice;
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds;
- Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water;
- Do not touch your face;
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue;
- Maintain physical distancing;
- Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when you are in public and unable to maintain physical distancing;
- Increase cleanliness and ventilation of public spaces and worksites;
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others;
- Work from home, where possible; and
- Shop online and use curb side pick-up, where possible.
