Theresa Tam said Friday the outbreak in the St. John's area has been largely limited to young people, offering a reminder that they, too, can spread the illness.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says the situation in Newfoundland and Labrador is more severe than during prior outbreaks.

In a release Thursday, Elections NL officials say with growing COVID-19 case numbers in the area, they can't retain enough workers to staff the polls.

Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie has called for the vote to be delayed so authorities can ensure people can cast a ballot safely.

'It's giving them a stage now on which to strut their stuff within days of an election vote taking place.'

Nova Scotia reported six cases, Newfoundland and Labrador added four, New Brunswick logged two and P.E.I. recorded three, for a total of 15 across the region.

Officials say 265 people have recovered from COVID-19 and three people have died from the virus in the province.

Ten cases have been reported since the beginning of May.

The province is entering the next phase of its COVID-19 recovery plan, allowing retail stores, restaurants and personal services businesses such as hairdressers to reopen with restrictions.

Kim Taylor and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association claim the restrictions violate the charter and fall outside provincial jurisdiction.