Newfoundland Doesn't Want People To "Come From Away" Right Now & See The Icebergs
Every year, chunks of ice float through Iceberg Alley off Canada's east coast. Newfoundland icebergs draw crowds of tourists but officials don't want people to "come from away" and see them. Despite travel recommendations, it seems that some people are still making the trip to catch a glimpse of the floating sea ice.
Most icebergs can be seen off of Newfoundland in April or May and the season extends into early June.
However, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting normal life, officials are warning people not to visit.
John Haggie, Newfoundland's health minister, had some choice words for people thinking about travelling to see the famous icy giants.
"If you come from away, you best stay away," he said during a press conference.
Haggie also noted that the province is looking at ways to tighten travel restrictions even more.
In Bonavista, a coastal town that is usually a place people flock to for a chance to see icebergs passing by, there are still visitors coming and the mayor said that's causing concern.
"I met a couple from Nova Scotia. I also met a couple from Quebec. I've seen some of the American licence plates," said Mayor John Norman to CBC News.
People are reportedly driving to the island and some people are even lying about why they're taking the ferry to Newfoundland.
Though Norman hasn't spoken to any of the American visitors himself, he says they've been spotted around town going to the drive-thru, coffee shops and local grocery stores.
Iceberg Alley stretches all the way from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of Newfoundland.
While the most bergs can be spotted in April and May, the season is longer further north.
Haggie's comment about the icebergs isn't his first sassy moment during the pandemic.
He also warned people about Tinder and Grindr and told residents not to let their kids lick shopping carts.
The province has measures in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 like physical distancing, discouraging non-essential travel and ordering anyone who travels there to isolate for 14 days after their arrival.