N.L. marks deadliest month of the pandemic for 2nd straight month, reporting 2 more COVID-19 deaths

Two people have died due to COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador since the Department of Health's lastupdate on Friday, marking February as the province's deadliest month since the pandemic began.

Both deaths were reported in the Central Health region, a man over the age of 90 and a woman in her 70s.The deaths are the 22nd and 23rd of the month of February surpassing January'srecord of 21COVID-19 deaths in one month.

The number of hospitalizations has increased since Friday, with 16 people in hospital as a result of the virus. Five people are in critical care.

The province is reporting 667 cases of COVID-19 since Friday, as the province is no longer updating case counts on the weekends. There were 306 new cases on Saturday, 124 new cases on Sunday and 237 new cases on Monday a three-day average of 222 cases per day.

Offset by 229 new recoveries, the new cases raiseprovince's known active case count to 1,749.

Loosened restrictions

Newfoundland and Labrador is also beginning its phased approach to lifting all public health restrictions in the province.

Beginning Monday, retail stores face no restrictions.Restaurants, gyms and other fitness facilitiescan expand to 75 per cent capacity, whilebars,lounges, cinemas and bingo halls can move to 50 per cent capacity with physical distancing in place.

Religious gatherings can grow to 75 per cent capacity in places where proof of vaccination is required and 50 per cent capacity where it isn't required. Public visitations are limited to 50 per cent capacity, but those held somewhere other than a funeral home or place of worship are limited to 25 people.

Amateur sports can resume out-of-region competition, but tournaments are not permitted and teams can play only one game per day.

The province plans to loosen restrictions further on Feb. 28, with the goal of eliminating public health mandates by March 14.

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