Started yesterday, Thursday, July 1st, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can reunite with loved ones living away and gather in larger numbers in restaurants, bars, and at weddings and other special occasions.
Step 1 of the province’s reopening plan is now in place with people from across Canada allowed to enter for non-essential travel for the first time since May of last year.
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, outlined some of the changes to COVID restrictions during yesterday’s provincial briefing.
Up to 250 people are allowed for formal outdoor gatherings and 200 for formal indoor gatherings if physical distancing can be maintained.
Capacity restrictions are being lifted for retail stores as long as physical distancing can be maintained, and restaurants and lounges can open to 75 per cent capacity as long as distancing is maintained between tables. Self-serve buffets will remain closed.
If the province continues to meet its goals for vaccination—at least 80 per cent with their first dose and 50 per cent with their second dose—and maintains low case counts, Step 2 of its recovery plan could come into effect as early as August 15.