ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador is reporting six new cases of COVID-19 today, three of which are linked to a growing outbreak in the central part of the province.

Health officials say there are now 49 cases in connection to a cluster of infections in central Newfoundland.

Officials said Wednesday that outbreak is being driven by the B.1.617.2 variant first discovered in India.

A central region of the province stretching about 175 kilometres between the towns of Badger and Gambo has been under heightened public health restrictions since Monday in an effort to curb the spread.

As 36 schools in the area reopened this morning, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association issued a news release expressing its concerns with the plan. 

The province has 89 active reported infections and five people in hospital with the disease.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2021.

The Canadian Press