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Yesterday, at our weekly COVID-19 briefing, I announced my guidance for this year's holiday season, specifically how it relates to travel into Newfoundland and Labrador. There’s no question – this Christmas will be different than other years.
Yesterday, at our weekly COVID-19 briefing, I announced my guidance for this year's holiday season, specifically how it relates to travel into Newfoundland and Labrador. There’s no question – this Christmas will be different than other years.
We had been seriously considering if we could allow extended family to visit, while closely monitoring the epidemiology of COVID-19 across the country. The reality is that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic that is not showing any signs of slowing down.
There are resurgences and second waves of COVID-19 across Canada and around the world. There are several factors that have prevented this from occurring in Newfoundland and Labrador. One key contributor is the travel restrictions we have in place.
It would be the wrong decision for us to open up to non-essential travel right now, as other jurisdictions tighten their restrictions in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19.
While I understand the longing for families to reconnect at Christmas, please consider that Christmas has to be different this year and that the reconnection you desire is best be deferred until such time as it is safer to travel.
We know that many families have been separated for almost seven months now. We have seen the toll this separation is having on the mental health of many of our residents and we encourage anyone that needs support to reach out for help.
We have many resources available such as our Provincial Mental Health Crisis line and the CHANNAL Warm Line. You can also visit http://www.BridgeTheGapp.ca to find a range of options for support with mental health concerns.
If you know someone who is alone at Christmas, please consider ways of safely connecting with them over the Christmas season. We will also need the support of communities in helping to find ways of supporting anyone who is feeling isolated this holiday season. 
We were blessed with a beautiful summer and early fall and could take advantage of the great outdoors for gatherings and activities. As the cold winds of November take hold, it is inevitable that our activities and socializing move indoors.
Christmas is traditionally a time of large family gatherings and parties and open houses. We need to rethink these activities and consider how we can gather and socialize safely throughout the late fall and the winter seasons.
To help you navigate Christmas with COVID-19 we have developed specific guidance: http://bit.ly/35sTGKe . This also includes guidance for workplace celebrations. I remind businesses & orgs considering planning a Christmas gathering to review the special measures orders.
Lastly, I can confirm that Santa has been granted global travel exemptions and there will be no impacts to his schedule in December. 
We will get through this together. Hold Fast Newfoundland and Labrador.
