Today (Wednesday, December 9), Newfoundland and Labrador has one new confirmed case of COVID-19.

The one new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age.

The case is travel-related. The individual, who is not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the province from Asia.

The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing by Public Health officials is complete.

The investigation by Public Health into the source of the infection for the case announced Saturday, December 5 is ongoing.

Public Health is unable to identify a source of transmission to date. This is called a non-epidemiologically linked case and indicates that there is, or was, an unknown case of COVID-19. This could happen for any number of reasons including the individual may have been asymptomatic and recovered; the individual may have left the province; or, the individual may have assumed it was a cold and did not seek testing.

Enhanced precautions continue to be in place in Harbour Breton and the surrounding areas until Public Health is confident that there is no further risk of transmission. People should stay home as much as possible and avoid holding or attending social gatherings.

Starting today, Central Health is advising people in Harbour Breton who have travelled outside of Newfoundland and Labrador since Monday, November 9 or who have symptoms, even mild symptoms, of COVID-19 to book an appointment for testing through 811.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever (or signs of a fever, including chills, sweats, muscle aches, lightheadedness);
• 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.

Effective 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, informal gatherings with family and friends are reduced to a maximum of 20 people.

The amended Special Measures Order will be posted online later today.

At these gatherings, individuals are reminded that:

• The maximum number of people allowed is 20;
• Gatherings should only be with your close and consistent contacts;
• The number of people should only be as large as the space permits and physical distancing must be maintained;
• Providing and sharing food is not recommended;
• People should practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette;
• People should practice good hand hygiene;
• Bathrooms should be well-stocked with liquid soap, towels, and a hands-free waste basket; and,
• If you are sick and invited to a gathering, you must stay home.

Newfoundland and Labrador has 20 active cases of COVID-19.

There have been nine new recoveries in the Eastern Health region. This means 329 people have recovered from the virus.

No one is in hospital due to the virus.

To date, 65,333 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