ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — As Newfoundland and Labrador approaches two weeks without any new cases of COVID-19, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald tried to explain the contradictions she faces as a public health official gauging the continued need for emergency health measures.
“This is the paradox of public health,” she said Tuesday during the daily video briefing in St. John’s. “When we are doing things right, it seems as though nothing is happening and people are getting frustrated, wondering why we must adhere to the measures in place, when in actual fact, the reason we are not seeing any new cases is because of these very measures. If they weren’t in place, COVID-19 would look very different in our province.”
Her comments come amid a cacophony of opinion over whether the province is too slow in effecting its gradual return to normalcy. Some businesses have pleaded for a chance to reopen, while employees balk at the prospect of putting themselves in harm’s way. Many citizens want borders closed tight to non-residents, while others have challenged controversial legislation that bolsters police powers to keep them out.
On Saturday, public health officials reversed their decision to refuse entry to a woman who wanted to return for her mother’s funeral. However, Fitzgerald said any such visitor is still required to self-isolate for 14 days.
“It’s still a requirement, and that’s all I can really say about that.”
Report card
Tuesday was the 12th straight day of no new positive tests for the coronavirus. There are technically only seven known active cases in the province. Three of those people are in hospital.
But Fitzgerald warned it’s still imperative to practise physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and a good idea to wear a non-surgical mask in public areas.
“These measures are just as important now as they were at the height of the pandemic curve,” she said.
Like Fitzgerald, Premier Dwight Ball offered thanks to residents for flattening the province’s curve.
“This is exactly what we’ve been striving for, and exactly what we want to see for our province as we start looking forward towards the next phase in our plan,” he said.
But there was no indication Tuesday that plan is going to speed up any time soon.
Health Minister Dr. John Haggie said the “report card” on the Victoria Day long weekend won’t be clear for another two weeks, the outside range of the coronavirus’s incubation period.
The province has chosen two incubation periods — 28 days — as the minimum time to move from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3.
Alert Level 3 will see the limited reopening of more retail businesses, including restaurants and esthetic services. Fitzgerald said the government will be more clearly spelling out guidelines on those over the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, Haggie reiterated previous warnings about getting lured into false reports on social media.
“A single post on Facebook, a rumour started, will go round the province several times before the truth has a chance to get out there,” he said.
His comments were spurred by allegations tourists were still getting into the province via Marine Atlantic despite more stringent border measures.
He said many people in the province may have out-of-province plates, including those arriving after being granted an exemption.
Testing limits
Asked about a private firm that is offering COVID-19 testing for businesses in the province, Fitzgerald was skeptical.
A negative test is only a snapshot, she said.
“If you’re relying on testing to keep your workplace safe outside of all the other measures that we have recommended be in place, then I think you’re going to find that that method will fail,” she said. “Testing is one part of a puzzle with regard to diagnosis. We’re using a diagnostic test to screen people. That’s not always effective. So, certainly, anyone who’s considering doing that, you need to consider the whole picture, and that’s making sure that you’re screening your employees, that public health measures are still in place, because a negative test today doesn’t mean a negative test tomorrow.”
“The only sure screening test for COVID-19 is 14 days of self-isolation,” Haggie added.
In other developments Tuesday:
- In recognizing World Family Doctor Day, Haggie praised physicians embracing the world of virtual consultations, adding he’d like to see similar accommodations for specialists.
- Fitzgerald confirmed the provincial microbiology laboratory is undergoing validation to conduct serology tests on COVID-19, which would detect the presence of antibodies in the system.
- Ball welcomed the announcement of new federal funding for the Red Cross and for small businesses, as well as an increase in the child family benefit starting in July.
Peter Jackson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering health for The Telegram.
