On Wednesday, Newfoundland and Labrador reported no new cases of COVID-19, after 307 more people were tested since Tuesday.
Chief medical officer of health Janice Fitzgerald opened the first media briefing in a week by asking people in Newfoundland and Labrador to be more understanding of people who have contracted COVID-19.
“I know people are scared, but it is impossible to know the personal circumstances of those around us. People who are unfortunate enough to contract this disease need our support and our understanding, not our judgment and disdain,” Fitzgerald said.
“If people who test positive for COVID-19 feel vilified, then others will most certainly feel reluctant to come forward if they have symptoms.”
The plea comes after a person tested positive last Friday, after returning home from the United States. It marked the province’s first case after a 43 day stretch no new cases, in which all of its patients had recovered. Throughout the pandemic, Newfoundland and Labrador health officials have identified 262 cases of COVID-19, while only one remains active as of Wednesday.
