Today (Saturday, June 20), there are no active cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The department is advising the public that there was a positive test result reported yesterday evening, Friday, June 19.

The positive test result was from an asymptomatic employee at Eastern Health, who was not involved in direct patient care. The individual had COVID-19 in the past and had recovered. The test was done as part of a screening protocol, not because the individual reported symptoms of COVID-19.

The individual’s close contacts, both professional and personal, have been notified. Out of an abundance of caution, close contacts are being tested.

Local unions were notified last night.

The public health evidence to date indicates that this is not a new case of COVID-19. The reason for this is that the test is quite good at detecting any viral genetic material that may be present even if the virus is no longer capable of producing infection. In people who have recovered from COVID-19, the presence of such material could produce a positive test result, but this does not mean there is an active infection.

This means the total number of confirmed cases in the province remains at 261.

There is no one hospitalized due to COVID-19.

To date, 15,800 people have been tested.

This test result does not change the province’s intent to enter Alert Level 2 on Thursday, June 25.

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;
• Maintain physical distancing;
• Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when you are in public and unable to 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.

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