Today (Wednesday, March 24), 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 60-69 years of age and it is under investigation.
The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
There are three active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
The regional breakdown of the three active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 3
- Central Health – 0
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 0
- Western Health – 0
There are no new recoveries meaning 1,002 people have recovered.
There is one person in hospital.
To date, 122,704 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.
Effective Saturday, March 27, the entire province will move to Alert Level 2. Information on the Alert Levels can be found here.
In Alert Level 2, each household can have a maximum of 20 close consistent contacts. A household can choose up to 20 family or friends, and these are the only individuals that a household can interact with in close settings. Informal social gatherings outside of a household’s 20 close consistent contacts are not recommended.
In Alert Level 2, the maximum number of people allowed at formal gatherings is increasing to 50. This includes weddings, funerals and faith-based services when held by a business or organization.
Gyms, fitness facilities, swimming pools, dance studios, yoga studios, tennis and squash facilities, and arenas can open in Alert Level 2 with a maximum capacity of 50 people per room or rink surface, provided physical distancing can be maintained. Facilities such as bingo halls, performance spaces and cinemas can open in Alert Level 2 with a maximum capacity of 50 people per room or space.
Restaurants, bars and lounges can open for in-person dining in Alert Level 2, reduced to 50 per cent of normal capacity, as long as physical distancing can be maintained between patrons seated at adjacent tables. Buffets are prohibited.
Employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home as much as possible. Maintaining work from home policies is one important way to help keep contacts low.
Team sports can resume in Alert Level 2. Teams will be permitted to offer individual athlete skill development and team practice or training sessions, which could include intra-squad competition. To return to inter-squad competition, each provincial sport association or other sport provider, including private, recreational and community-based sport providers, should submit a return to sport plan to Sport NL or the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. Tournaments are not allowed. Other organized group activities, such as dance, art, music and performance groups can also resume in Alert Level 2.
Effective Saturday, March 27, the Special Measures Orders for personal care homes, long-term care homes and assisted living facilities dated Saturday, March 13, will be repealed. This means visitation within these facilities will increase to a maximum of six designated visitors.
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.
Starting Friday, March 26, physicians and pharmacists will be able to identify if they would like to administer COVID-19 vaccinations and whether they want to be immunized themselves. They can complete the COVID-19 Immunizer Registration Form in either HEALTHeNL or MedAccess.
Labrador-Grenfell Health started vaccinations for first responders this week. Eastern Health, Central Health and Western Health started vaccinations for first responders last week. The vaccination process for first responders is being coordinated through Public Health with police and fire employer associations.
Pre-registration is now open for adults who identify as Indigenous.
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.
– 30 –
Media contact
Tina Newhook
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca