Today (Thursday, November 12), Newfoundland and Labrador has no new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The province has seven active cases.

Two hundred and eighty-seven people have recovered from the virus. To date, 55,874 people have been tested.

There are resurgences and second waves of COVID-19 happening across Canada and around the world. The province will not open up to non-essential travel right now especially as other jurisdictions tighten their restrictions to control the spread of the virus.

People entering Newfoundland and Labrador from outside Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. Ideally, people should self-isolate in a separate location away from others who not self-isolating.

If this is not possible and individuals self-isolate in the same household as others, they are reminded to:

• Use a separate bedroom and a separate bathroom, if possible;
• If not possible, the bedroom and bathroom must be disinfected after each use;
• Avoid close contact with others in the home;
• Stay in a completely separate area of the home, if possible;
• Not congregate in common areas of the home;
• Not use the same common items as others in the home, such as serving utensils, cutlery, and towels; and,
• Disinfect any common touch points, such as doorknobs and remote controls, after use.

If someone in the house is self-isolating, no visitors are allowed to enter the home. If a person becomes symptomatic, everyone in the house must self-isolate.

The approaching holiday season is traditionally a time of large family gatherings, parties, and open houses. Households should have no more than 20 close and consistent contacts during the holidays. Limiting contacts reduces the spread of the virus. Remember 20 for 2020.

If individuals are organizing holiday gatherings, they should:

• Ensure there is enough space for everyone to distance themselves appropriately;
• Not offer self-serve options, like cookie trays, bowls of chips, bowls of punch, or potlucks;
• Designate one food server for the gathering, with the server wearing a mask; and,
• Ensure the bathroom is well-stocked with soap and hand towels.

As always, people should stay home if they are sick.

Shopping is a big part of preparing for the holidays. People should limit the amount of time they spend in stores and avoid crowds. If an aisle is busy, avoid that aisle until it is clear. People should always maintain at least six feet between other shoppers and wear a mask.

Christmas activities, such as caroling and mummering, are permitted. For caroling, singers should remain outdoors and at least six feet apart. Mummering should be limited to households of close contacts.

Visits with Santa in large public venues, such as shopping malls, are not recommended. Alternative options to consider include virtual visits or telephone calls with Santa.

While not recommended by Public Health, if Santa does make in-person visits, these visits should be by appointment only. There should be no line-ups. Individuals must maintain six feet between themselves and Santa. This means no one can sit on Santa’s knee and Santa cannot hold small children.

Outside of the holiday season and throughout the colder winter months, indoor gatherings should be kept to 20 people or less, provided that physical distancing can be maintained.

In Alert Level 2, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians 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