❗️ Remember, we all possess the tools and the ability to protect against this virus and stop the outbreak. The same public health measures we have been practicing throughout the year will protect us now:
😷 Your non-medical mask is a critical layer of protection for yourself and others.
Wear it whenever you are interacting with people outside your household bubble, not just indoor public spaces.
Your mask should be at least 2⃣ layers, 3⃣ is better.
👉Make sure it fully covers your nose and chin. Do not wear a face shield in place of a mask.
Washing your hands destroys the virus on your skin. Wash your hands well and often or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
Maintain at least six feet distance from others at all times.
🧍 🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶🧍
✅🏠 You should only have close physical contact with those in your household, or if you live alone, with the household you have joined with.
...and please... PLEASE download the #CovidAlert App! I'm not the most tech savvy person (I'll admit) but it was VERY easy to download and install. The more people that have this app, the easier it is to slow the spread of this virus.
For more information on Alert Level 5 ⚠️, visit our website: gov.nl.ca/covid-19.
The @canredcrossnl is available to assist anyone who does not have a place to self-isolate, or those who are in self-isolation & need help accessing essentials such as food, medication. If you need support, call the Canadian Red Cross Self-isolation Helpline at 1-800-863-6582.🙏
If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-737-4668, to speak with a mental health clinician. This service is available 24/7 to anyone who needs it. ♥️
You can visit BridgetheGapp.ca to access age-appropriate programs and services that are available locally, confidential and free.
If you are experiencing violence, do not hesitate to reach out for help to the Domestic Violence Helpline. The province-wide, toll free number is 1-888-709-7090.
Use the self-assessment tool for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, to determine whether you or they should be tested for COVID-19, available directly here: covidassessment.nlchi.nl.ca
We all need to keep the faith, stay strong and determined. We fought an outbreak before knowing much less about the virus than we do now. We can do this. We will do this.
Hold fast Newfoundland and Labrador. ♥️
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THREAD 🧵 We have received confirmation that the outbreak in the metro area is indeed due to a COVID-19 variant of concern, specifically the B.1.1.7 variant which was first recognized in the UK. This variant is more infectious than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2.
We have seen how rapidly it has spread in facilities elsewhere in the country. We know that if not controlled, it becomes the predominant strain within weeks of first appearance. This is concerning and serious. But we have the ability to overcome it.
We know that our greatest ally is speed. We therefore have to take quick and decisive action to reduce the spread of this variant. I am announcing that, effective immediately, I am introducing special measures orders across the province that will take us back to Alert Level 5 ⚠️
⚠️ We are increasing restrictions in the St. John's/metro area, effective midnight tonight:
➡️ Formal gatherings such as funerals, burials, weddings, and religious and cultural ceremonies are limited to 10 people, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
Wakes and visitations are prohibited.
➡️ Private health care clinics can remain open in accordance with provincial guidelines.
1⃣ On Monday, assuming all goes well this weekend, I will be moving our #COVID19 Alert Level down to 4. Please visit gov.nl.ca/covid-19/alert… to learn more about what that means for you.
2⃣ Gatherings of 10 ppl is acceptable in Alert Level 4, but should only occur when #PhysicalDistancing is possible. The intention is to allow for small funerals, burials, weddings. This isn't a green light to host parties -- you should remain in your bubble or your #DoubleBubble.
3⃣ If you're well & not required to self-isolate, you can participate in some recreational activities. Outdoor activities, like walking, hiking, or bike riding, are encouraged as long as physical distancing can be maintained and you are not req'd to self-isolate for any reason.
THREAD 🧵 Here are some key take-aways from my #COVID19 update today. We are relying on the best available information and we are gradually taking steps to relax some of the guidelines in low-risk environments and begin to live with COVID-19 in our communities. #covid19nfld
2⃣ COVID-19 is here. It is in our communities and unfortunately will be a part of our daily lives until a vaccine is available. We need to live life with the threat of COVID-19 around us.
3⃣ More businesses, services and activities will resume only when they can be delivered safely and within the public health guidelines.