Today (Saturday, December 5), Newfoundland and Labrador has four new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The first new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region under 19 years of age.
The second new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age.
Both individuals are residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are close contacts of a previous known travel case and are members of the same household.
The Department of Health and Community Services is reassuring the public that there is no risk to the school community as a result of these cases.
Both individuals are self-isolating and contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway.
The third new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region between 40-49 years of age.
The case is travel-related. The individual, who is not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the province from Alberta after being granted a travel exemption.
The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway.
The fourth new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region between 20-39 years of age.
The source of the infection for this case is under investigation by Public Health. An update will be provided as more information becomes available.
The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway.
The Department of Health and Community Services is providing an update on two of the cases announced yesterday (Friday, December 4).
The investigation into the source of the infection for both cases is finished. Both cases are travel-related.
One individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in Alberta.
While the other individual, who is not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the province from Africa after being granted a travel exemption.
Newfoundland and Labrador has 26 active cases of COVID-19.
There have been five recoveries since yesterday. There have been four recoveries in the Eastern Health region and one in the Western Health region. This means 317 people have recovered.
No one is in hospital due to the virus.
To date, 64,134 people have been tested.
Public Health is reminding 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.
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
Tina Newhook
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca