Public Advisory: Two New Cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Health and Community Services

April 15, 2021

Today (Thursday, April 15), Newfoundland and Labrador has two new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The first new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.

The second new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health between 60-69 years of age. The case is related to international travel.

Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.

There is one new recovery in the Western Health region and 1,011 people have recovered. There is one person in hospital due to COVID-19.

There are 15 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.

The regional breakdown of the 15 active cases is as follows:

  • Eastern Health – 6
  • Central Health – 0
  • Labrador-Grenfell Health – 0
  • Western Health – 9

To date, 128,432 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.

There are no new presumptive positive cases.

The case of a male in the Western Health region between 40-49 years of age reported Friday, April 9, has been determined to be related to travel within Canada. The case reported Thursday, April 8, in the Eastern Health region remains under investigation.

Due to one of today’s cases and out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is asking passengers who travelled on Air Canada Flight 8008 that departed Toronto on Saturday, April 10 and arrived in Deer Lake on Sunday, April 11 to arrange COVID-19 testing. To arrange testing, passengers can complete the online self-assessment and referral tool available here or call 811.

The department is advising rotational workers about an identified COVID-19 outbreak at the Royal Camp Services in Grand Prairie, Alberta. 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 with this project 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 Friday, March 12, 2021, do not apply to workers at worksites where there is an ongoing outbreak.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever, including chills or sweats;
  • A new or worsening cough;
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
  • Runny, stuffy or congested nose;
  • Sore throat or difficulty swallowing;
  • Headache;
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste;
  • Unusual fatigue or lack of energy;
  • New onset of muscle aches;
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours; and,
  • Small red or purple spots on hands and/or feet.

The most up to date vaccine data and the number of vaccine doses administered can be found on the provincial COVID-19 data hub.

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.

People 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.

Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out can be found on the websites for each of the regional health authorities.

Eastern Health

Central Health

Western Health

Labrador-Grenfell Health

If you have already pre-registered, the regional health authorities will contact you via your preferred option for communication, once an appointment becomes available.

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

2021 04 15 2:12 pm