Today (Wednesday, December 23), Newfoundland and Labrador has one new confirmed case of COVID-19.
The one new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern 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 British Columbia.
The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing is underway.
As a result of this case and out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is asking passengers who travelled on Air Canada Flight 696 that departed Toronto on Tuesday, December 15 and arrived in St. John’s on Wednesday, December 16 to call 811 to arrange 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.
People are reminded to follow the Special Measures Orders of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for isolation requirements. 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.
Newfoundland and Labrador has 23 active cases of COVID-19.
There have been seven recoveries since yesterday. Three people have recovered in the Eastern Health region, two people have recovered in the Central Health region and two people have recovered in the Western Health region. This means 354 people have recovered from the virus.
One person is in hospital due to the virus.
To date, 71,012 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