Newfoundland and Labrador's swift move back into Alert Level 5 also meant a swift change of fortunes for restaurants and other eateries.

Just ask Alex Lockyer, the owner of Harbour Grounds in Corner Brook.

"In terms of business volume, our sales last week I would say were on par year over year," he said. "And then on Saturday - if I had to give you a number, it would be a drop of 80 per cent."