Some provinces ease COVID-19 restrictions as N.L. contends with worsening outbreak
Posted February 10, 2021 1:38 pm.
Last Updated February 10, 2021 1:39 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – While Ontario continues to report over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases a day, the province’s state of emergency has officially ended, and the government is moving ahead with its gradual reopening of the economy.
Restaurants and non-essential businesses are opening up again in less-populated areas of the province. Most other regions will follow suit next week as part of the colour-coded plan.
It’s a similar situation in Quebec, where 989 new cases of the coronavirus and 34 more deaths were reported Wednesday.
However, while the province eyes easing some measures, it is also considering roadblocks at the border with Ontario to prevent people from travelling during the upcoming March break next week.
Due to declining COVID-19 numbers in Manitoba, the provincial government recently announced that some restrictions will be loosened on Friday. Restaurants, gyms, tattoo parlours, and many other facilities will be allowed to reopen under strict capacity limits.
Meanwhile, most of Atlantic Canada now has a handle on the COVID-19 situation. However, Newfoundland and Labrador is dealing with a worsening outbreak in the St. John’s area after 30 new cases were reported in the province on Tuesday. That’s the second highest daily total of the pandemic for the province.
Health officials have confirmed community spread in the St. John’s area, where bars, cinemas, and fitness studios are being shut down. Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in the region will also be closed for the next few weeks.
Canada has seen more than 810,000 COVID-19 cases so far, with deaths approaching 21,000.
