ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Dozens of new cases in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick — including some that can’t be sourced — are causing some concerns, but Newfoundland and Labrador’s health authorities aren’t ready to pull the plug yet on the Atlantic bubble.
“At the moment, we’re not considering changing the Atlantic bubble,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald said at Wednesday’s COVID-19 video briefing.
However, she did recommend extra precautions for those travelling to or from Nova Scotia.
“If travel to that province is required, please follow any and all public health guidance in effect in that province,” she said.
“Travellers to Newfoundland and Labrador from Nova Scotia, for the first 14 days after arrival, should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and contact 811 to arrange testing if symptoms develop.”
In fact, vigilance was the watchword of the day for Fitzgerald, along with Health Minister Dr. John Haggie and Premier Andrew Furey.
“It’s incredibly important that we continue to follow public health guidelines,” Furey said. “Thanks to the diligence of Dr. Fitzgerald and her team in Public Health, and the leadership of Minister Haggie, we are the envy of many jurisdictions. We want to stay that way.”
“We can see from other jurisdictions who, like us, have done everything right trying to keep this virus at bay, how a single case can quickly spread."
Fitzgerald said it’s sobering to see how a second wave of COVID-19 has continued to crash over the rest of Canada in the past few weeks.
“We can see from other jurisdictions who, like us, have done everything right trying to keep this virus at bay, how a single case can quickly spread,” she said.
“I liken this pandemic to a tsunami. There’s a tsunami of COVID-19 just outside our shores and we must do everything in our individual power to keep it that way. Unless we each do our part, we will not be able to keep the virus under control. Travel restrictions and self-isolation are not enough to keep COVID-19 from spreading.”
The health minister took up the theme to explain that personal measures such as social distancing, limiting contacts, mask-wearing and hand-washing are still vital to contain spread.
“Each on its own is a thin layer, but put together like a laminate, it provides a strength that each layer on its own cannot,” he said.
Holiday caution
Fitzgerald said it’s important to understand the difference between essential and non-essential travel.
“It is impossible to shut down travel completely,” she said. “There are many reasons why people must travel here, including essential workers who, because of the nature of their work, are not able to completely self-isolate.”
That’s why continued vigilance over the holiday season is essential, she said.
“Travel may be what brings the virus here, but it is social gatherings, failing to self-isolate and not following public health guidelines that spread it."
“Travel may be what brings the virus here, but it is social gatherings, failing to self-isolate and not following public health guidelines that spread it,” she said.
“Please be reminded that all non-essential travel should be avoided.”
She also advised against workplace Christmas parties, without specifically banning them.
“We encourage you instead this year to find other creative ways of recognition and thanks, such as purchasing a gift basket or another special token of appreciation,” she said. “If workplace parties are being planned, organizers must be mindful that employees are likely not close, consistent contacts within each other’s bubbles, and therefore should maintain physical distancing at gatherings, even if seated for meals.”
Peter Jackson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering health for The Telegram.
