After weeks of lockdown, the provincial government is easing some restrictions today as the province now enters Alert Level 4.

It marks the first time restrictions have been lifted since the Public Health State of Emergency came into effect back in March—excluding the creation of the “double bubble” rule on April 30.

Low-risk, non-essential businesses can now open. That includes a wide range of businesses including professional services such as law firms, accounting firms, and financial services. However, the work from home policy is still encouraged wherever possible.

Gardening centres can open for in-person sales and service, and landscaping and lawn care services can operate. In-person worker and workplace safety training will be permitted, and animal daycares can resume operations.

Low-risk, outdoor activities can now resume like golfing, hunting and angling. However, there are rules in place for golf courses. For example, clubhouses are not permitted to open.

Outdoor activities including walking, hiking, or riding your bike, are encouraged as long as physical distancing can be maintained and you are not required to self-isolate for any reason.

Regional health authorities will begin to allow some health care services to resume like elective surgeries and procedures. Health Minister John Haggie previously stated that the backlog of surgeries is over 5,000.

Finally, government is permitting gatherings of up to ten people, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Fitzgerald has made it very clear that this does not mean getting together with groups of friends for things like dinner parties and hang-outs.

She says this is solely for the purpose of expanding organized gatherings like funerals and weddings to ten people, where physical distancing and proper hygiene can be practiced.

It will take at least 28 days to determine whether or not it is safe to move to Alert Level 3, and Dr. Fitzgerald reminds people that they will not hesitate to put restrictions back in place if needed.

Child Care Centres Expand Operations

Child care centres are expanding their services to accommodate the children of people who are heading back to work as of today.

The minister responsible, Brian Warr, understands it’s difficult for young children to understand the concept of physical distancing, but he says child care centres have developed strategies to deal with that.

He says they’ve updated operational guidelines, including screening procedures, and have expanded home room operations to a maximum of ten adults and children.

The provincial government says it is important to follow public health guidelines to ensure safety in Alert Level 4, and beyond, including:

• Stay informed, be prepared, and follow public health advice;
• Wash your hands frequently 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;
• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette;
• 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;
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others;
• Work from home, where possible; and,
• Shop online and use curbside pick-up, where possible.

Read more on the five alert levels, at the Government of NL’s COVID-19 information page.