COVID-19 hospitalizations rise to 21 as N.L. prepares to move to Alert Level 3

As Newfoundland and Labrador prepares to move into a modified Alert Level 3 on Monday, one more person is in hospital because of COVID-19, raising the province's total hospitalizations to 21.

The Department of Health and Community Services said Sunday's numbers were affected by inclement weather across the province Saturday andSunday. As a result, access to testing sites and the delivery of results were limited in some areas.

The 579 tests performed since Saturday produced110 positive results: 88in the Eastern Health region, five in Central Health, 14 in Western Healthand three in Labrador-Grenfell Health.

That's a positivity rate of 19 per cent, withthe total known active cases in the province dipping to 1,557.

Alert Level change

Sunday's update comes as the province prepares for a move into a modified Alert Level 3.

As of midnight, gyms, fitness facilities, restaurantsand bars can operate at 50 per cent capacity, while cinemas, performance spaces and bingo halls can operate at 25 per cent capacity, but no food or drink can be served.

Under Alert Level3, households are limited to the "Steady 20" bubble, funerals, burials, weddingsand religious and cultural ceremonies are limited to 50 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is less,and wakes remain prohibited.

At a briefing Thursday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald said the province will ease restrictions further on Feb. 21, provided case numbers and hospitalizations allow it.

"We need everyone to stay with us while we gradually open the tap and monitor the effect. If co-operation wanes now, the impact could result in a delay," she said.

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