The Department of Health and Community Services is reminding residents that the Special Measures Orders for communities on the Quebec Lower North Shore and the Labrador Straits, as well as Fermont and Labrador West remain in effect. This reminder is being issued because of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Caniapiscau region of Quebec and to reassure residents of Labrador about the ongoing work of Public Health.

Public Health is aware that there are six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Caniapiscau region in Quebec. Contact tracing is complete. Any identified close contacts are self-isolating.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has been in communication with Public Health officials in Quebec. The Public Health Authority in Quebec continues to monitor the situation in the Caniapiscau region and advises the risk of community transmission is low. Public Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to work with Quebec officials to monitor the region.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are reminded to strictly adhere to Public Health guidance and the Special Measures Orders issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

In Alert Level 2, individuals should continue to practice good infection prevention and control practices. Daily preventative actions can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

These actions include:

• Stay informed, be prepared, and follow public health advice;
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water;
• Do not touch your face;
• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette;
• Wear a non-medical mask in public indoor spaces;
• Maintain physical distancing;
• Increase cleanliness and ventilation of public spaces and worksites; and,
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others.

For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.

Quotes
“The risk of community transmission is low. There is active and ongoing collaboration between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec. Public Health will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the health and safety of people living in Labrador.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“As the Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, I have been in close contact with health officials on recent developments associated with COVID-19 in the Fermont area. I appreciate the heightened sense of concern in Labrador West and have full confidence in the work of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and her team. They are doing exemplary work in managing the pandemic and providing solid information to ensure the safety of residents in Labrador.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

– 30 –

Media contacts
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca

Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs
709-896-4449, 899-6446
AllanBock@gov.nl.ca