Chief medical officer of health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald introduced Newfoundland and Labrador’s reopening plan that follows five “alert levels” days after models showed the first wave of infections in the province appears to be subsiding.
Dr. Fitzgerald said the term “alert level” was chosen in the plan, instead of “phase” or “stage,” because officials want the public to remain alert to the risk of resurgence.
Low-risk activities such as golf, hunting and fishing will be permitted and low-risk businesses, including garden centres and professional services like law firms, will be able to reopen. Daycare services will be expanded to support workers returning to their jobs.
Funeral services will be permitted with a maximum of 10 people present.
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WHAT IS OPEN FROM MAY 11, 2020 – ALERT LEVEL 4
Gatherings and Public Spaces
- Gatherings are expanded to 10 people, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
- Gatherings at funerals, burials and weddings are restricted to no more than 10 people, including the officiant. Visitations and wakes continue to be prohibited.
Recreational Activities
- Recreational angling and hunting are permitted.
- Golf courses and driving ranges can open.
- Municipal parks are open.
- Playground equipment in municipal parks is not to be used.
- Outdoor activities such as walking, riding your bike or hiking, are encouraged as long as physical distancing can be maintained and you are not required to self-isolate for any reason.
- Campsites remain closed.
- Gym and fitness facilities, yoga studios, tennis and squash facilities, arenas, dance studios and performance spaces remain closed.
Businesses and Services
- Limited expansion of child care services.
- Professional services such as accounting firms, law firms, and financial services can offer in-person services. Work from home policies are encouraged, where possible.
- In-person worker and workplace safety training will be permitted.
- Gardening centres can open for in-person sales and service.
- Landscaping and lawn care services can operate.
- Animal daycares can resume operations.
- Retail stores that do not offer essential services, bars and lounges, cinemas, and personal service establishments like spas, esthetic services, hair salons, tattooing and body piercing salons, and tanning salons remain closed.
- Restaurants remain closed for in-person dining.
Health Care Services
- Regional health authorities will begin to allow some health care services to resume.
- Private health care clinics remain closed, except for urgent and emergent care, with virtual care options available for non-urgent care.
- All visitor restrictions in health care remain in effect.
- Orders for long-term care homes, personal care homes, and assisted living facilities remain in place.