Today (Saturday, October 10), Newfoundland and Labrador has three new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
All three confirmed cases are females in the Western Health region under 19 years of age.
The three new confirmed cases are close contacts of a previous case. They are members of the same extended household.
Because they were identified previously as close contacts, they were already in quarantine throughout their infectious periods. This means there is no risk of transmission to the community.
Contact tracing by Public Health is completed. Everyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province to 282. The province now has nine active cases.
Two hundred and sixty-nine people have recovered from the virus. To date, 46,359 people have been tested.
The Department of Health and Community Services also wishes to provide an update on the COVID-19 outbreak at the Teck Coal Mine in Elkford, British Columbia.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has informed the department that the outbreak is over. The agency defines an outbreak as over, when two full incubation periods or 28 days, pass since the last reported case at the site.
While this outbreak is over, rotational workers are reminded to keep following the self-isolation guidelines in place.
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.
People are reminded that COVID Alert is available for download free through the Apple or Google Play app stores. Public Health is encouraging people to download the app to help reduce the spread of the virus.
For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.
– 30 –
Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca