8:13 p.m. ET, February 10, 2021
Canadian province of Newfoundland goes from Covid-free sanctuary to "circuit-breaker" type lockdown
From CNN’s Paula Newton
Newfoundland is facing its largest Covid-19 outbreak so far — a chilling discovery for a province that sacrificed large parts of its economy and prohibited most visitors from entering the past 10 months, in the hopes of containing any major outbreaks.
The province's chief medical officer, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, said Wednesday that "complacency" had allowed case numbers to spiral:
"I believe that going so long with low case counts of Covid led to complacency and we are now seeing the repercussions."
Canada’s easternmost province reported just 53 new Covid-19 cases Wednesday for a population of about a half million people. Still, the province is shell-shocked and has imposed a strict "circuit-breaker" lockdown.
Adding to the 53 new cases are 32 presumptive cases that have yet to be confirmed. The province now has 110 active cases of Covid-19 and that is enough for officials to shutdown parts of the province including widespread closures in the St. John’s metro area, Newfoundland’s capital.
New daily case numbers are expected to rise for days to come as the provincial officials warn residents of a ‘rough period’ ahead.'
New daily case numbers are expected to rise for days to come as the provincial officials warn residents of a ‘rough period’ ahead.
“This is what Covid does, it’s a bit disappointing to see the number of contacts that people have had. I think we really need to do better when it comes to reducing those contacts,” said Dr. Fitzgerald.
All schools in the St. John’s area are now closed for at least 2 weeks, non-essential businesses have been closed to in person shopping and dine-in restaurants must close. In addition, Newfoundland residents have been told to stay home when possible and avoid any private, social gatherings.
Upwards of 1,500 people have been told to self-isolate and officials say they are investigating hundreds of possible contacts.
The outbreak comes at a crucial time for the province, as residents go to the polls to elect a new premier in just a few days. But public health officials say the election will not be postponed and that they will ‘find a way’ to keep everyone safe during the vote.