Today (Friday, October 16), Newfoundland and Labrador has three new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The first new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 60-69 years of age. This case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in Alberta.
The second new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 40-49 years of age. This case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in Alberta.
The two new cases in Central Health are not related to a previous case and are not members of the same household.
Both men have been self-isolating since arrival.
The third new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 40-49 years of age. This case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in Alberta.
He has been self-isolating since arrival.
Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
All three cases are associated with the outbreak at the Canadian Natural Resources Horizon Oil Sands site in Alberta.
As a result of today’s new cases, the Department of Health and Community Services is asking people who travelled on Air Canada Flight 690 from Toronto to St. John’s on Saturday, October 10, 2020, to call 811 to arrange for COVID-19 testing.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province to 287. The province now has 12 active cases.
Two hundred and seventy-one people have recovered from the virus.
To date, 48,093 people have been tested.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are reminded to strictly adhere to the Public Health orders issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Many Canadian provinces are experiencing a second wave of COVID-19. There have been new cases in this province as a result of travel from outside the Atlantic Bubble.
The reality is Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to see new cases and the goal is containment of the virus.
People entering the province are reminded to self-isolate in accordance with the province’s Public Health requirements. Everyone has a part to play in preventing the spread of the virus.
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;
- Work from home, if possible; 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.
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Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca