Newfoundland and Labrador has moved its province into Alert Level 5, after learning the UK Variant is responsible for a mass outbreak in the St. John’s region.
An emergency news conference was called in the province tonight.
The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says tests have confirmed it is the B117 variant, which was first recognized in the UK.
“This variant is more infectious than the original strain of SARS COV2. We have seen how rapidly it has spread in facilities and elsewhere in the country. We know 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” Dr. Fitzgerald says.
Under Alert Level 5, all businesses and other facilities, with the exception of essential services have closed.
Premier Andrew Furey says, “I can’t stress enough the urgent nature of this situation. My one and only concern right now is the safety of the people of our province. As doctors, we all know too well what this variant of COVID-19 can do. We will do everything we can to contain this spread, and to protect you and your family.”
There are currently 269 active cases in the province. 253 of those cases were reported in the last week.
More to come..
