Today (Monday, December 14), 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 50-59 years of age.
The case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in British Columbia.
The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway.
The Department of Health and Community Services is asking passengers who travelled on WestJet Flight 3426 from Halifax to St. John’s arriving Thursday, December 10 to call 811 to arrange COVID-19 testing.
Public Health is making this ask out of an abundance of caution and because of today’s new confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Eastern Health region.
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.
Even if someone receives a negative test result, Public Health is encouraging all passengers to continue monitoring themselves for symptoms for a full 14 days from the time of their arrival in the province.
The Department of Health and Community Services is providing an update on the Public Health investigation in Harbour Breton.
Over 500 people have been tested. There have been no additional cases identified by Public Health beyond the existing three cases in that community. Out of an abundance of caution, Public Health will continue testing in Harbour Breton, but people should know that there is no evidence of widespread community transmission to date.
The Department of Health and Community Services is also providing an update on the third case announced Saturday, December 12 in the Western Health region.
The initial sample was retested and a second sample from the individual was collected and tested. Both of these tests were negative for COVID-19. This leads Public Health to conclude that the individual does not have COVID-19.
The Public Health investigation in the Western Health region is finished. It has been determined that there is no need for broader community testing. The investigation to date has not found any evidence of transmission within the community or in the schools.
Newfoundland and Labrador has 22 active cases of COVID-19.
There have been no new recoveries since yesterday’s public advisory. Three hundred and thirty-two people have recovered from COVID-19.
No one is in hospital due to the virus.
To date, 67,315 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