No plans to close schools in N.L. yet over COVID-19 - The Telegram

Despite a growing chorus of voices calling for a shutdown of Newfoundland and Labrador’s schools, the province’s chief medical officer said Sunday there is still no need to do so.

“It’s not just as easy as saying, ‘Let’s shut down the schools.’” Dr. Janice Fitzgerald told reporters Sunday. “There are a lot considerations we have to put into place, and if you do it too early it might not have the intended result that you want.”

On Saturday, Fitzgerald announced the first presumptive case of COVID-19 in the province, a woman who returned from a Caribbean cruise. She would not give the age or location of the woman, other to say she lives in a small community within the Labrador-Grenfell health region.

So far, her symptoms are mild.

Fitzgerald said she understands the heightened concerns among residents of the province, and admitted people should be taking it seriously,

“You have to remember that 80 per cent of people who have this virus have a mild to moderate illness and will recover quite well,” she added.

Asked why schools in other regions were being shut, Fitzgerald said they are in a different situation.

“Many of the places that are closing schools are doing so because people are travelling back from their March Break,” she said. “The two-week closure is to wait out that incubation period … so the children aren’t in school and aren’t contagious at that time.”

Asked about this province’s upcoming Easter break, she said authorities are discussing whether the same logic would apply.

“We’re hoping most people will rethink their travel plans and will not be travelling by the time Easter comes,” she said.

Memorial University announced on the weekend it would wrap up on-campus classes on Wednesday with an eye to continuing courses online. Fitzgerald said the K-12 system is not in a position to follow suit.

Ferry restrictions

Meanwhile, Marine Atlantic announced on the weekend that it will be keeping passenger loads at a limit to 250 to allow better social distancing. As well, passengers will have to answer screening questions. Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 or has been out of the country in the past 14 days will have to self-isolate at the terminal and on board.

Anyone who meets those criteria and are also displaying symtoms — fever, cough, difficulty breathing — will not be permitted to board.

Mental health

In light of the obvious stress and anxiety the COVID-19 crisis may be causing, Fitzgerald cited a number of sources for help.

There’s a mental health peer support line at 1-855-753-2560 which is open 9 a.m. to midnight, The mental health crisis line is 1-888-737-4668 (or text 686868).

There’s also Bridgethegap.ca, and a new website, 811healthline.ca should be up and running Monday.

She said it’s useful to check out community services in advance to see what may be useful for anyone having to self-isolate.

Meanwhile, the province is satisfied with the compliance of citizens so far to self-quarantine after returning from any international flight. There has been no need yet to make it legally mandatory.

“I’ve lived in this province most of my life, “ Fitzgerald said, “and I can say with confidence that we look out for each other and I trust that Newfoundlanders will make the right decisions.”