The Premier says we must stay the course to keep ahead of COVID-19.
Stephen McNeil says recently announced delays in vaccine supply and new COVID-19 variants have exposed how fragile our position is.
McNeil says that means restrictions cannot be eased, even with low numbers.
“With the variant already making its way into this province, thankfully we believe we’ve controlled it, but it is not something that we can ignore. It arrived without any warning, and COVID is bad enough,” he says. “The variant is far more aggressive, far more difficult to predict, and with the uncertainty around supply of any vaccine, we have to be extra cautious.”
McNeil says it shows just how precarious our position is.
He says it vindicates the province’s cautious strategy, including holding back second doses to ensure everyone who gets the first dose can get the second within the recommended timeframe.
“We will continue to keep things the way they are in this province, we’re open for business,” he says. “With restrictions, but we’re not wide open for gatherings.”
McNeil says Public Health officials are monitoring the changing situation and will advise government when it is both safe and smart to reduce COVID-19 restrictions further.
One new case of COVID-19 Tuesday, travel related in Central Zone, 11 active cases remain.
