Today (Monday, February 8), Newfoundland and Labrador has 11 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Eastern Health region. Contact tracing by public health officials is underway. Everyone considered a close contact will be advised to quarantine.

The 11 new confirmed cases are as follows:

• Five under 19 years of age
• Four between 40-49 years of age
• One between 50-59 years of age
• One over 70 years of age

There are six females and five males.

There are 27 active cases.

The regional breakdown of the 27 total cases is as follows:

Eastern Health – 23
Central Health – 0
Labrador-Grenfell Health – 0
Western Health – 4

There have been no new recoveries since yesterday meaning 393 people have recovered from the virus.

There is no one in hospital.

To date, 82,530 people have been tested.

The Department of Health and Community Services is advising the public about cases of COVID-19 associated with Mount Pearl Senior High School. Public Health officials have been in contact with the high school, parents and Newfoundland and Labrador English School District and are working diligently to offer COVID-19 testing to relevant individuals. Close contacts are determined and contacted by Public Health. They will also be asked to self-isolate for 14 days after their last contact with the positive case and testing will be arranged as a priority.

Effective immediately, a special measures order is being implemented in the St. John’s metro area for two weeks.

• Group and team sports and recreation activities where children and/or adults gather in-person and where close contact is required are suspended. This does not include individual activities such as walking tracks, gyms or private lessons.
• Group arts and cultural activities that involve in-person gatherings are suspended. This includes bands, choirs, dance and music classes. Solo performances and individual lessons are still permitted.

In an effort to protect the most vulnerable, a Special Measures Order is being implemented that will reduce the risk of COVID transmission to long term care homes, personal care homes and assisted living facilities in the St. John’s metro region. Visitation will be reduced to two designated visitors per resident, group activities will be suspended, and activities outside of the homes will be suspended. Residents admitted from the community will require screening, testing, and isolation prior to admission. Staff will not be shared between homes except in urgent situations where direct resident care will be adversely affected.

The source of the infection for an individual who tested positive on Saturday, February 6 in the Eastern Health region continues to be under investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The individual and close contacts have been contacted by Public Health officials and are self-isolating.

Public Health is reminding the public of its updated recommendations for individuals affected by the public advisory issued for the following establishment:

• Bigs Restaurant in Mount Pearl, 2 Olympic Drive, from Thursday, January 21 to Thursday, February 4.

As a result of further testing and intensive investigation, the risk to patrons who visited or have eaten at the restaurant is deemed very low. People who have visited or have eaten at the restaurant and do not have symptoms or have not had symptoms in the last two weeks have a very low risk of having been exposed. The main purpose of recommending testing for patrons of the restaurant is out of an abundance of caution and as part of Public Health’s efforts to identify a possible source. Please note that the following recommendations do not apply to close contacts who have been contacted directly by Public Health and given advice on self-isolation.

• All patrons of the restaurant who have visited or eaten at the restaurant, who have symptoms of COVID-19 or had symptoms in the last two weeks, must self-isolate until they receive a negative test result.
• All patrons of the restaurant who have visited or eaten at the restaurant, who do not currently have symptoms of COVID-19 or have not had symptoms in the last two weeks, should get tested but are not required to self-isolate until they receive a negative test result. While they are awaiting their test results they are advised to monitor for symptoms and isolate should any symptoms develop.

Public Health is thanking the restaurant for their cooperation and ongoing help with this investigation. Restaurants and bars remain open during Alert Level 2. Public Health is reminding people to strictly adhere to the orders of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Eastern Health has announced that to meet testing demand, a temporary drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic is opening at 50 Mundy Pond Road. In addition, the hours have been extended for the drive-through clinics located at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre and the Waterford Hospital. Only people with an appointment can attend the clinic. This would follow completing the online self-assessment and referral tool available here or by calling 811 to get referred for an appointment.

Public Health is reminding people about the phrase People, Space, Time, and Place. People should always consider these four important reminders.

• 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.

People are encouraged to download COVID Alert to help reduce the spread of the virus. It is available for free through the Apple or Google Play app stores.

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.

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.

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