Today (Sunday, November 22), Newfoundland and Labrador has three new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The first new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 30-39 years of age. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a close contact of a previous known case. They are members of the same household. 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 60-69 years of age. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a close contact of a previous known case. The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine
These two new cases are related to the recent cluster in the Western Health region.
The third new confirmed case is a male in the Western 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 is self-isolating 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.
This case is not related to the recent cluster in the Western Health region.
The investigation by Public Health into the source of the infection for the second case in the Western Health region announced Friday, November 20 is finished. The individual was a close contact of a traveller who returned from work in Alberta.
Public Health has identified six cases of COVID-19 in the Western Health region this week. Five of these cases are connected
The department is reassuring the public that Public Health officials are actively identifying, notifying, and testing all close contacts associated with these recent cases. Anyone considered a close contact will be notified by Public Health and advised to quarantine. People should know they will only be contacted by Public Health if they are considered a close contact.
Second waves of COVID-19 are happening across Canada and around the world. That is why Public Health officials in this province are recommending against non-essential travel.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s travel ban remains in effect. 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.
Public Health is providing guidance to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador regarding travel to Nova Scotia in light of yesterday’s travel-related case of COVID-19.
If travel to Nova Scotia is essential, people must follow any and all Public Health guidelines in effect in Nova Scotia. While in that province, people should limit their close contacts to as few as possible, avoid large gatherings and crowded public places, maintain physical distancing, wear a mask as needed, practice frequent and proper hand hygiene, and practice proper respiratory etiquette.
People travelling to Nova Scotia should also be aware of potential exposures to the virus in certain locations identified by Public Health in that province. For information, people can visit: novascotia.ca/coronavirus/alerts-notices/#possible-exposures.
When arriving back in Newfoundland and Labrador from Nova Scotia, people should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for the first 14 days. People should call 811 to arrange testing if symptoms develop. For the first 14 days after arrival, people should not attend any gatherings, should avoid crowded public places, and should wear a mask when in contact with individuals from outside their household bubble.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever (or signs of a fever, including chills, sweats, muscle aches, light headedness);
- Cough;
- Headache;
- Sore throat;
- Painful swallowing;
- Runny nose;
- Diarrhea;
- Loss of sense of smell or taste;
- Unexplained loss of appetite; or,
- Small red or purple spots on the hands and/or feet.
While travel within the Atlantic Bubble is permitted, this guidance is being issued by Public Health out of an abundance of caution. Newfoundland and Labrador remains part of the Atlantic Bubble at this time.
Public Health officials in this province have been in communication with Public Health officials in Nova Scotia, and continue to closely monitor the situation within the Atlantic region. If the situation changes, further measures may need to be implemented by Public Health. All provinces in the Atlantic Bubble continue to work together to ensure the health and safety of people living within the region.
Newfoundland and Labrador has 21 active cases of COVID-19.
No one is in hospital due to the virus. Both individuals who were hospitalized have been released this weekend.
Two hundred and ninety-four people have recovered.
To date, 58,980 people have been tested.
Public Health is taking the opportunity to remind people to strictly adhere to the orders from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. People must remain vigilant and follow all Public Health measures to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the spread of COVID-19.
People entering Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded to self-isolate in accordance with the province’s Public Health requirements.
In Alert Level 2, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should continue to practice good infection prevention and control practices.
These practices 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