Public health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency of Canada, and other provincial and territorial public health officials, have been closely monitoring novel coronavirus. New screening protocols are being implemented to respond to novel coronavirus.

Anyone who has been in Hubei province, China in the 14 days prior to their return to Canada is being asked to self-isolate (away from work and school) and monitor themselves and their children closely. The self-isolation period is 14 days from their last day in Hubei province.

Those in self-isolation can receive supporting health information from Newfoundland and Labrador Public Health by contacting 811.

People who have travelled from any other part of China in the 14 days prior to their return to Canada are asked to closely monitor their health.

These timelines apply to those newly-arrived in Canada and those who have already returned. Anyone who meets either of the above criteria, who develops a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, should call 811 to receive further information.

Screening is now in place at 10 Canadian airports. People who have been in Hubei province, China in the 14 days prior to their return to Canada, will be asked questions about their health by Canada Border Services Agency personnel and provided with information about symptoms and self-isolation, if applicable.

To date, there have been no cases of novel coronavirus in Newfoundland and Labrador. The five confirmed cases in Canada are directly connected to Hubei province or someone in the same household.

The risk of novel coronavirus to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians remains low. The best way to reduce your risk of any respiratory virus is to wash your hands well, and reduce spread by practising good cough and sneeze etiquette, and staying home if you are unwell.

Newfoundland and Labrador public health officials are working closely with their colleagues across Canada to ensure cases of novel coronavirus are quickly identified and managed. Our regional health authorities are prepared to respond to any suspected cases.

For more information, visit www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/coronavirus/ or www.canada.ca/coronavirus.

Information can also be obtained by calling the Government of Canada’s novel coronavirus information line at 1-833-784-4397.

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