On December 29, 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador published a public advisory, updating the COVID-19 regulations in the province. According to the announcement, the province moved to Alert Level 3 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its Omicron variant.
All travellers coming to Newfoundland and Labrador, have to fill out a travel form up to 30 days before the travel date. Travellers also must submit their proof of vaccination. Those who visited a post-secondary institution either in Canada or internationally in the 14 days before they arrived in the province will have to possess a PCR test upon arrival.
All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers have to isolate until they receive a negative PCR test. As a result of the extremely high number of tests being conducted across all regions, there may be some delay in contacting individuals who test positive for COVID-19.
It is advisable to know that positive test results are now provided through online through the Patient Results Portal. Yet, a Public Health representative will still contact any positive patients, but it could take up to 72 hours.
The decision of the Alert Level 3 will be reassessed on January 10,2022 to determine if changes will be occurred. Under Alert Level 3:
Weddings, funerals, burials, religious and cultural ceremonies are limited to 100 people or 50% of venue capacity, whichever is less
Public visitations are permitted, with one household bubble visiting at a time
Performance spaces, cinemas and bingo halls are closed
There is a limit of 100 people per room or ice surface for fitness facilities, swimming pools, arenas, and dance studios, whichever is less and must maintain physical distancing between households
Restaurants are open at 50% capacity with physical distancing where as bars and lounges are closed
Amateur sport and recreation activities are limited to team practice and training only. Competition and training with other teams, even within the association is not permitted
Informal gatherings such as those in the home are limited to your household’s Steady 20. Every household to have no more than 20 close, consistent contacts
Newfoundland and Labrador entered the Alert Level 3