Today (Saturday, November 14), Newfoundland and Labrador has two new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The first new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from the United States. The individual has been self-isolating since arrival. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is complete. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The second new confirmed case is a female in the Western Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from Ontario. The individual has been self-isolating since arrival. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is complete. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The second new case is a close contact of the case reported by the department yesterday (Friday, November 13). She is a member of the same household.
The department is advising the public about an error related to the reporting of yesterday’s case. There was an inadvertent reference to Central Health, instead of Western Health, as the region where yesterday’s case was located in the notification provided to the department by Western Health. Upon realizing the error, Western Health immediately notified the department.
This means that the public advisory issued yesterday should have referenced a case in Western Health, not Central Health. The other details on yesterday’s case are accurate.
The department is reassuring the public that there was no delay in the contact tracing process or any negative impact on the individual as a result of the error. All close contacts have been notified.
The province has eight active cases of COVID-19. Two hundred and eighty-nine people have recovered from the virus. To date, 56,476 people have been tested.
In Alert Level 2, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should continue to practice good infection prevention and control practices. People are encouraged to continue following proven Public Health measures to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from COVID-19.
These measures 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.
Public Health is reminding people about the phrase People, Space, Time, and Place. People should always consider these four important reminders as they prepare for the holidays.
- People – The more people you interact with, the greater the risk of spread.
- Space – The closer you are to others, the greater the risk of spread.
- Time – The more time you spend with others, the greater the risk of spread.
- Place – Indoor activities with others are more risky than outdoor activities.
Public Health has prepared guidance on holiday activities. Holiday events or gatherings should be planned in accordance with Public Health guidelines. The guidance is available here.
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