ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Avalon Peninsula will remain at Alert Level 5 for at least the next two weeks, but the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador will move to Alert Level 4 in the provincial COVID-19 response plan.
That was the word from Chief Medical Health Officer Janice Fitzgerald to begin today’s media briefing.
The announcement followed the regular daily statistical update, which showed there had been four new confirmed COVID cases and 52 recoveries in the previous 24 hours.
There are 11 people in hospital with the virus, one more than in the last report.
Despite the improving numbers, Fitzgerald said “there is still risk of community spread in the Avalon region,” explaining the decision to remain at Alert Level 5 in the area most affected by the recent outbreak involving a COVID-19 variant.
If you live in these areas you should still stay at home as much as possible and work from home, if you are able.
— Dr. Janice Fitzgerald (@CMOH_NL) February 26, 2021
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Although they fall into the Eastern Health region, which takes in the Avalon, the Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas, Clarenville area and isthmus (Come-by-Chance) area will move to Alert Level 4.
Among the results of a return to Alert Level 4 is the resumption of in-school classes in those areas that come under the revised guidelines, but Fitzgerald and her office’ have recommended teachers mandatory mask-wearing for teachers and students in Grade 4 and above.
Later Friday, provincial Education Minister announced his department and Newfoundland and Labrador English School District are aiming at a Wednesday, March 3 reopening date for the non-Avalon schools,
Education on the Avalon Peninsula will continue through an online process,
Fitzgerald spoke of a possible one-level drop in all areas in two weeks' time, but only after a thorough review of the situation.
