Today (Monday, December 28), Newfoundland and Labrador has two new confirmed cases of COVID-19, both of which are in the Eastern Health region.
The first new confirmed case is a male between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to international travel. The individual is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador. The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing is finished.
The second new confirmed case is a male between 20-39 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 is finished.
Public Health is providing an update on one of the cases reported yesterday Sunday, December 27. The investigation is finished. The source of the infection is travel. The individual had returned to the province from work in Alberta.
The Department of Health and Community Services is advising rotational workers about an identified COVID-19 outbreak in Alberta at the TC Energy Cold Lake oil sands site. The department was notified about the outbreak by the Public Health Agency of Canada as individuals from this province work at the site. A list of worksites with declared outbreaks can be found online here.
Rotational workers from this site 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 19 active cases of COVID-19.
There have been four recoveries in the Eastern Health region since yesterday meaning 363 people have recovered from the virus.
One person is in hospital due to the virus.
To date, 71,804 people have been tested.
During the holidays, Public Health is reminding people to strictly adhere to the orders of 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.
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 during the holidays.
- 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.
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.
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