For the first time in nearly a month, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While that is reason for hope, public health officials are warning that it is not a reason to ease efforts that were put in place to contain the spread of the illness.

The last time there were no new cases to report was on March 19, just before the number of cases related to the funeral home cluster started to ramp up.

The total number of confirmed cases in Newfoundland and Labrador remains at 244 with eight people in hospital, three of whom are in ICU. A total of 149 people have recovered.

There have been three deaths in the province related to COVID-19.

Over the last few days it’s become more apparent that people are out and about, says Dr. Fitzgerald. Public health measures are for the protection of us all. Low numbers do NOT mean we are in a downturn. If you slack now, we’ll feel the impact in two weeks. #covid19nfld — Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) April 14, 2020

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says now is not the time to relax public health measures that are currently in place.

She says how soon life returns to normal depends on the actions we take today.

Health Minister John Haggie says it would be “unwise” to draw too many conclusions on the fact that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases have been dropping in recent days.

He says the numbers reflect the success of what he calls “good, traditional, old fashioned public health measures.”

It’s still too early however, according to Haggie, to believe the worst is behind us. He says the Easter “report card” is not yet here, and won’t be in for another two weeks.

He implores people to “stop looking for loopholes,” and “stay in your bubble.”