Thread by @PeterCBC

For the first time in almost 2 years, NL is not in a public health emergency because of COVID. Restrictions for mask wearing and capacity limits are gone
So what does living with COVID look like from here? Here are some common questions a 🧵 #covid19nfld
cbc.ca/news/canada/ne…

This ending is now what most people were expecting. For most of the pandemic, low covid meant low restrictions, but what happened instead is that COVID is now more contagious but less severe (largely thanks to 95% of the population being vaccinated, but also Omicron)

The ending of the health emergency doesn't mean COVID is over, in fact the chances of you catching it have almost never been higher.

What's changed is that if you do get it, you're much less likely to end up in hospital or die

Public health has always advised on staying healthy (like recommending condoms), but normally they don't force it by law. Masks are now the same way

Public health continues to recommend them saying they're effective at preventing disease, but it's now your choice

What changes if you get COVID? The short answer is nothing.

You'd still isolate for 7 days (if vaccinated) and follow this advice from the province: gov.nl.ca/covid-19/publi…

If masks are optional why are some businesses still requiring them?
They could have staff or customers who are vulnerable, and more likely to end up in hospital or worse if they get it.
They also may not want their staff to all get sick, interrupting their business

When will the province release the latest hospitalizations, deaths cases?

The schedule is Monday - Wednesday Friday, posted here: …dland-and-labrador-gnl.hub.arcgis.com

They're not updated today because it's a provincial government holiday (St. Patrick's Day)