ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — As the province upped its COVID-19 tally to 25 active cases Wednesday, Newfoundland and Labrador’s chief medical officer of health made a lengthy plea to young adults not to let their guard down.
Health officials across Canada have repeatedly said social gatherings of young people are one of the primary drivers of a second wave of COVID-19 that’s surged well beyond the peak of cases in the spring.
“We know that in many jurisdictions in Canada and across the world, the spread of COVID-19 in the 18- to 35-year-old age group is driving the surge in cases,” Dr. Janice Fitzgerald said Wednesday during the COVID-19 briefing in St. John’s, where she was joined by Premier Andrew Furey and Health Minister Dr. John Haggie.
“I know you may be scared, or even frightened. And you know what? That’s OK. Talk to your family, your teachers and your friends about it. You are not alone.”
People in that age group are more likely to work with others in close quarters, and are more likely to gather socially in large groups.
“I believe you are an amazing force,” Fitzgerald said, in a direct appeal. “I have watched with awe as you have created societal change with the Black Lives Matter movement, the LGBTQ rights movement, women’s marches, climate-change activism and the anti-gun violence movement. My heart is filled with hope that our planet and our society will be in your hands in the not-too-distant future.”
However, she said, she needs young people to step up again and be “leaders and heroes” in the prevention of COVID-19 spread.
“I understand the inherent drive to socialize. Despite what these grey hairs are saying, I still remember that time in my life, too,” she said, pointing to her own natural streaks. “If you do spend time with others, please do it in a way that reduces the risk to yourself, your family and your friends.”
She asked youth to keep their contacts low, stick with a small group of friends if possible, and stay away from party food.
“Say goodbye, for now, to the bowl of chips, the plate of nachos, the party pizza.”
In bars, she said, keep your distance from others, and wear a mask if engaging with people outside your group.
Plea to parents
At the beginning of the briefing, the premier announced that virtual events will go back to three times a week — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“Please don’t be startled by this decision,” he said. “We want you to be armed with the knowledge you need to allow our schools and businesses to remain open in a calm and responsible way. We know how important this is on so many levels.”
His comments come on the heels of two clusters in the province, including one in Deer Lake where many parents pulled their children out of schools after a girl in an elementary class tested positive. One new confirmed case Wednesday was a woman in her 40s, a contact of another case in the area.
Furey said parents should not panic, and trust the advice they’re getting.
“What I would say to parents in that situation is, stay calm. Dr. Fitzgerald and her team have shown and proven that they’re able to execute real protocols in real time to protect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” he said. “They should take some comfort in that. A lot of comfort in that. In fact. Public Health officials here are the envy of the rest of the country and they have the results to prove it.”
Furey also offered some consolation to children facing uncertainty.
“Trust what your parents, guardians, teachers and principals are saying,” he said.
“I know you may be scared, or even frightened. And you know what? That’s OK. Talk to your family, your teachers and your friends about it. You are not alone.”
Exemption process
Fitzgerald, meanwhile, said the travel exemption process will be streamlined so that specific categories of exemptions will be listed online. Anyone wanting to come to the province will have to indicate how they qualify, and will be presented with a reference number that they present at the border.
Essential workers must also provide more information, and employers may be contacted to demonstrate how that worker is essential.
Peter Jackson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering health for The Telegram.
