ST. JOHN'S. N.L. — In a press conference conducted remotely Sunday, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Newfoundland and Labrador's Chief Medical Officer, announced there were three new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the province.
“The three cases are women and were in the Eastern Health region,” Fitzgerald said. “In each of these three cases public health has initiated contact tracing. Two cases are known to be related to international travel (and) the third is still under investigation.”
That brings the total number of cases in the province to nine — three confirmed, six presumptive.
Five of these cases were discovered in the past two days, something Fitzgerald says is not unexpected.
“We are doing more testing (and) we are actively looking for contacts,” she said. “Finding cases means our public health system is working as it should.”
Of the 970 individuals tested so far, 961 tested negative.
In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 on the island, especially with regard to seniors, Fitzgerald, Premier Dwight Ball, and Health Minister John Haggie continued to reinforce the necessity of following the rules around social distancing and self-isolation.
Health officers will now be stationed at the St. John’s International Airport and the airport in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Social Distancing: the time is now!The time is now! This is our best hope for delaying the spread and reducing the impact of COVID19.
Posted by Dr. John Haggie on Sunday, March 22, 2020
Officers will also be at the ferry terminals of Marine Atlantic distributing forms outlining the steps to take for self-isolation.
“Also, the provincial government is partnering with the Canadian Red Cross, to support people in Newfoundland and Labrador who are impacted by the requirement to self-isolate,” Ball said. “Red Cross will have a range of supports for you through their helpline.”
The number to that helpline is 1-800-863-6582.
“We have introduced some strict measures,” Ball said. “Are they extreme? Yes, they are. But we have done this as we are currently in (an) extreme and a very serious situation.”
Haggie said more drastic measures may ultimately have to be taken.
“What we do now, we have to live with until possibly Canada Day,” he said.
“We have been pleased with the results of the recommendations, the orders that Dr. Fitzgerald has issued, by and large. But it is incumbent on every one of us to follow those requests because they are now no longer requests, they are orders with the force of law.”
@FLR_GovNL staff will continue to support the farmers & producers working to keep food on NL’s tables during #COVID19 #covid19nfld. For agriculture support & services, please call 637-2077. #GovNL pic.twitter.com/Xc9KpbizYn
— Fisheries and Land Resources NL (@FLR_GovNL) March 22, 2020
On Saturday, a new form called a public report form was released, making it possible for members of the public to report a person or business they believe is not compliant with orders to self-isolate or close.
Haggie said he doesn’t have the exact number of forms which have been filled out and filed with the government since becoming available on Saturday, but said the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will begin going through the submitted forms on Monday and start investigating based on the information supplied.
With regard to how much longer the province can sustain itself financially, Ball said a loan bill will be brought forward Thursday in the House of Assembly.
“We’re working with federal government, all provinces are working with the federal government, so that for us is not an issue at this point,” Ball said. “We need to get into the House of Assembly later this week, to get a formal request for a loan bill.”
“What we do now, we have to live with until possibly Canada Day." — John Haggie
Haggie said the government will offer what help they can, but the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves for front-line workers at pharmacies, will be left to the pharmacy owner.
An online petition calling on the government to declare a state of emergency continued to gain signatures on Sunday, with over 4,000 as of 5 p.m.
Haggie said at the moment, we haven’t passed the threshold required to invoke a state of emergency, but that it is not off the table.
Funding was also announced for daycare operators, early childhood educators, and families with children who have missed daycare because of closures due to COVID-19. This will continue until April 30, at which point the provincial government will reassess the need.
For students, payment of the provincial portion of student loans were suspended until Sept. 30, 2020. Interest will not accrue during these months.
Due to #COVID19, effective March 30, the repayment of the provincial student loans along with Canada Student Loans is suspended for six months, until September 30, 2020. (1 of 3) #GovNL #COVID19NFLD pic.twitter.com/VFHD7erHA1
— Advanced Education, Skills and Labour NL (@AESL_GovNL) March 22, 2020
Some government services suspended
Several press releases were issued on Sunday with regard to the suspension of government services:
- Department of Finance has suspended counter services at the Central Cashiers Office temporarily. They suggest making online payments if possible, credit card payments over the phone 709-729-3042 or fax 709-729-4117, or by mail or drop-off box, located in the East Block of the Confederation Building, for cheque payments.
- Counter service is temporarily discontinued at the Commercial Registrations Division of Service NL. The public research area will be available by appointment on an urgent basis. Appointments can be made by calling 709-729-3316 or by emailing [email protected]
- Counter service is suspended at the Motor Registration Division and residents are asked to use online services at MyGovNL.ca
- Written and practical driver examinations are suspended temporarily. Questions can be addressed to 709-729-4175.
- Anyone requiring a birth, marriage, or death certificate are asked to submit online. Call Vital Statistics at 709-729-3308 or email [email protected] in you require help.
- Requests pertaining to electrical permits, renewal of electrical contractors’ certificates or the extension of electrical permits will be processed online.
- Counter service at the MCP Office in St. John’s will be suspended and applications are asked to be dropped off at the MCP Office at 45 Majors Path, St. John’s or 22 High Street, Grand Falls-Windsor. You can also send them via mail to P.O. Box 5000, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, A2A 2Y4 or by fax at 709-758-1694 in the Avalon region and 709-297-4052 for all other regions.
Twitter: @AndrewLWaterman
