Today (Friday, December 18), Newfoundland and Labrador has five new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The first new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region between 20-39 years of age.

The second new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region under 19 years of age.

These cases are travel-related. Both of these individuals, who are residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the province from Alberta. They are members of the same household. Public Health is reassuring people that there is no risk to the school community as a result of today’s second case. Both of the individuals are self-isolating. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway.

As a result of this and out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is asking passengers who travelled on Air Canada 8862 from Halifax to Gander arriving Monday, December 7 to call 811 to arrange COVID-19 testing.

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 third new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 40-49 years of age. This case is related to international travel. The individual, who is not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is self-isolating. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway.

The fourth new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is self-isolating. The source of the infection for this case is under investigation by Public Health. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. An update will be provided as more information becomes available.

The fifth new confirmed case is a male in the Central 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. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway.

Public Health is providing an update on the three cases reported yesterday Thursday, December 17.

One of the cases was related to international travel.

A second case was travel-related. The individual returned to the province from the United States. The remaining case from yesterday was a close contact of this individual.

Newfoundland and Labrador has 27 active cases.

There have been two recoveries in the Eastern Health region. This means 341 people have recovered.

One person is in hospital due to the virus.

To date, 69,461 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
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca