Today (Thursday, March 18), Newfoundland and Labrador has one new confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Eastern Health region.
The one new confirmed case is a male between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to international travel.
The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
There are 34 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
The regional breakdown of the 34 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 34
- Central Health – 0
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 0
- Western Health – 0
There have been three new recoveries in the Eastern Health region meaning 970 people have recovered.
There are two people in hospital and one is in intensive care.
To date, 121,348 people have been tested. People are reminded that they can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
There are no new presumptive positive cases.
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.
Public Health is reminding people about the phrase People, Space, Time, and Place.
- 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.
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.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s COVID-19 vaccination plan is available online here.
Eastern Health, Central Health and Western Health will start vaccinations this week for first responders. Labrador-Grenfell Health will start on Monday. The vaccination process for first responders is being coordinated through Public Health with police and fire employer associations.
Pre-registration is underway for people 70 years of age and older. Anyone 70 years of age and older who has not pre-registered is encouraged to do so.
Pre-registration is also underway for home support workers. When pre-registering, home support workers will need to indicate if they are employed by an agency or by a client of the provincial home support program.
People who have access to the Internet are encouraged as much as possible to use the online pre-registration option. They can pre-register online here. Anyone who knows of someone who is eligible to pre-register and may need assistance with online pre-registration are encouraged to help as you can pre-register on someone’s behalf.
People are reminded that they will not receive a separate email confirmation for pre-registering. Once a person completes the online pre-registration process, a short statement appears on the online form indicating that they have been pre-registered. The regional health authorities will contact individuals once vaccination appointments become available.
A telephone pre-registration option is available for people who do not have access to the Internet and cannot pre-register online. They can call 1-833-668-3930 or 709-273-3930 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.
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