ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Telegram
Based on questions and comments flying around on social media, The Telegram asked a rather personal question of the province’s chief medical officer Friday.
“How are you coping?”
“It’s a bit overwhelming. Thank you for asking,” Dr. Janice Fitzgerald said, cracking a smile.
“Our public health staff has been working tirelessly. I cannot say enough good about them, and everyone is supporting each other. It’s challenging, but we’re doing OK.”
Fitzgerald and staff have been holding daily briefings for more than a week, including weekends. She is occasionally joined by Health Minister John Haggie and Premier Dwight Ball, as she was Friday.
Ball pointed out the groups handing the COVID-19 crisis do not represent the stereotype of “big government.”
“These teams are very small. They work very long hours. And Dr. Fitzgerald, in my view and my assessment, has done a remarkable job with a small group of people that (she) has working with her,” he said.
Fitzgerald is technically the interim chief officer, having been on the job since September 2019.
Later in the briefing, Haggie said while they have removed the word “interim” from her title, she has not yet signed a contract.
“I’m not sure if that’s deliberate or not.”
Ball chimed in to say he’d accept a petition from residents as to their next move.
