Today (Saturday, December 19), Newfoundland and Labrador has eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19, all of which are in the Eastern Health region.

The first new confirmed case is a male between 40-49 years of age. The second new confirmed case is a male between 50-59 years of age. These cases are related to international travel. These individuals were not residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. These individuals, who arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador while in transit to another international destination, have since left the province under Federal Public Health guidelines. Another individual, who tested positive for COVID-19 and who was included in the department’s active case count, also left the province with these individuals. There is no risk to anyone travelling on commercial airlines or ferries as a result of their arrival or departure.

The third new confirmed case is a female between 20-39 years of age. This case is related to international travel. The individual, who is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is self-isolating. Contact tracing is completed.

The fourth new confirmed case is a male between 20-39 years of age. This 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 is completed.

The fifth new confirmed case is a male between 40-49 years of age. The sixth new confirmed case is a male between 40-49 years of age. The source of the infection for these cases are under investigation by Public Health. An update will be provided as more information becomes available.

The seventh new confirmed case is a male between 50-59 years of age. This 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 is completed.

The eighth new confirmed case is a male 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 department is advising rotational workers about two identified COVID-19 outbreaks in Alberta at the Chevron Duvernay Lodge and Suncor’s Fort Hills oil sands site. The department was notified about the outbreaks by the Public Health Agency of Canada as individuals from this province work at these locations. A list of worksites with declared outbreaks can be found online here. Rotational workers with these projects who have returned to Newfoundland and Labrador in the last 14 days must self-isolate and physically distance away from household members, and call 811 to arrange testing. These workers must now complete the full 14-day self-isolation period, regardless of test result. The rules for rotational workers from Newfoundland and Labrador who work in Canada that went into effect Wednesday, November 25 do not apply to workers at worksites where there is an ongoing outbreak.

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.

Newfoundland and Labrador has 31 active cases of COVID-19.

There has been one recovery since yesterday in the Central Health region. This means 342 people have recovered.

One person is in hospital due to the virus.

To date, 69,870 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