Today (Wednesday, November 18), Newfoundland and Labrador has two new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The first new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region over 70 years of age. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a close contact of the first case announced yesterday Tuesday, November 17.
The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The second new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in Alberta.
The individual self-isolated as per the protocol for rotational workers. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The Department of Health and Community Services is providing an update on the source of the infection for yesterday’s case. The source of the infection is travel-related. The case from yesterday is a close contact of the second case announced today. They are members of the same household.
The province has nine active cases. One person is in hospital due to the virus. Two hundred and ninety-four people have recovered.
To date, 57,510 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. They are especially important with the holidays approaching.
- 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