Today (Friday, November 20), Newfoundland and Labrador has three 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 on Wednesday, November 18. The individual is a tenant of Blue Crest Cottages in Grand Bank. This means Public Health has identified five cases of COVID-19 in Grand Bank this week. All five cases are connected.
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 female in the Western Health region between 40-49 years of age. The individual is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador. The source of the infection is under investigation by Public Health. An update on this case will be provided as more information becomes available.
The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The third new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 20-29 years of age. The case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from Nova Scotia.
The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The province has 13 active cases. Two people are in hospital due to the virus.
Two hundred and ninety-four people have recovered.
To date, 58,330 people have been tested.
Newfoundland and Labrador has a robust contact tracing process. The process has been successful in quickly identifying cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are 171 contact tracers in the four regional health authorities. The contact tracing resources within the regional health authorities are well-positioned to meet current demand.
The Government of Canada has offered support to the provinces and territories to assist with contact tracing. Federal Government employees will work closely with Public Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide extra support for contact tracing if needed.
Public Health officials are also engaged in discussions with retired health care professionals and retired law enforcement officials in this province who may wish to assist with contact tracing.
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