Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release

St. John's, NL (August 25th, 2020) – – Ches Crosbie, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Windsor Lake, is calling on government to implement point of entry testing for rotational workers to reduce the length of time in self-isolation.

The current guidelines requiring rotational workers to self-isolate for 14 days is causing significant stress and hardship for these workers and families. While they can interact with family members in the same household, they are not permitted to enter public spaces or be around other friends and family. The effect is that most of these workers are either working or in self-isolation at any given time with minimal interaction with family and friends.

“We have heard from many rotational workers expressing frustration with the current guidelines. Other provinces, like PEI, are doing more to safely support rotational workers and allow them to return to a more normal way of life when they return home. For example, multiple tests over a period of days, when workers return to the province, and a relaxed self-isolation requirement,” said Crosbie.

“Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have to travel away from home for work. They choose to live in this province, raise their families, and contribute to the economy. However, they are suffering because of the self-isolation requirements. We understand that precautions have to be taken but other provinces have found ways to safely support workers. The government needs to act and do the same thing here,” said Crosbie.

Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Policy and Research

(p) 1.709.729.3668

BradleyRussell@gov.nl.ca

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