N.L. to eliminate COVID-19 restrictions, move out of pandemic phase by March 14
CBC
Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador are announcing a plan to drop mask, vaccination passport and gathering restrictions by March 14.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald announced the plan as part of a live briefing, and says the changes can be made due to high vaccination rates, a less severe strain of virus, and the availability of therapeutic medications to help keep those at highest risk out of hospital.
The province will first ease restrictions on Feb. 21, followed by a further reduction on Feb. 28.
The province reported 179 new cases on Wednesday, along with 16 people in hospital and three new COVID-19 related deaths.
This is a breaking news update. A previous version of this story is below.
COVID-19 cases in Newfoundland and Labrador have remained consistent since officials relaxed public health restrictions this week.
The latest changes happened on Monday with the reintroduction of team sports and higher capacities for bars, restaurants and venues.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Premier Andrew Furey and Health Minister John Haggie will go live at 2 p.m. NT to deliver the latest COVID-19 update for the province.
On Tuesday, the province reported 1,698 known active cases and 14 people in hospital as a result of COVID-19.
The province also reported its 57th death since March 2020 as a result of the virus.
As of Sunday, just over 1.2 million doses of vaccine had been administered province wide and 93.89 per cent of the population over 12 years old is fully vaccinated.
Nearly 80 per cent of children between five and 11 years old have received at least one dose of vaccine — 37.79 per cent are fully vaccinated.
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