Today (Monday, May 31), Newfoundland and Labrador has two new confirmed cases of COVID-19. Contact tracing by Public Health is underway and anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The first new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region between 50-59 years of age. The case is a contact of a previous case. This case is not related to the cluster in the Central Health region.
The second new confirmed case is a female in the Western Health region between 50-59 years of age. The case is related to international travel.
There are five new recoveries in the Central Health region and 1,200 people have recovered. There are two people in hospital due to COVID-19.
There are 101 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 101 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 19
- Central Health – 60
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 0
- Western Health – 22
To date, 146,538 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
The investigation into the cluster of cases in the Central Health region is ongoing. As of now, there are 63 confirmed cases associated with the cluster, one probable case associated with the cluster and no presumptive positive cases associated with the cluster. The source of infection remains under investigation.
The investigation into the cluster of cases in the Western Health region is ongoing. As of now, there are 11 confirmed cases associated with the cluster and there are three presumptive positive cases associated with the cluster. The source of infection remains under investigation.
As a result of this cluster, communities in the St. George’s – Stephenville – Port au Port area on the west side of the Trans Canada Highway are in Alert Level 4. This includes the towns of St. George’s, Stephenville Crossing, Stephenville, Port au Port East and all towns on the Port au Port Peninsula. This also includes communities along Routes 460, 461, 462, 463 and 490. This will give Public Health the ability to carry out their investigation and conduct community wide testing in the area, while reducing the risk of onward transmission and spread. Please refer to the Provincial Government COVID-19 website for information on the Special Measures Order and restrictions associated with Level 4.
Public Health is advising that travel to and from this area should only be for essential reasons such as work, medical care or essential support for loved ones.
Public Health is strongly encouraging people in the area to get tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. Information on community wide testing is available on Western Health’s website. People can also arrange testing by completing the online self-assessment and referral tool available here or by calling 811.
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 case reported Thursday, May 27 in the Western Health region remains under investigation. The cases reported Thursday, May 20 and Friday, May 28 in the Central Health region remains under investigation. There is one presumptive positive case related to the case reported on Friday, May 28 in the Central Health region.
The department has been receiving questions about self-isolation for rotational workers returning from Baffinland, Nunavut. All rotational workers returning to the province from an outbreak site must self-isolate away from household members for 14 days and arrange COVID-19 testing. This includes all rotational workers, including those from the Mary River Mine Operation by Baffinland, Nunavut, who may be returning by air charter. Rotational workers from outbreak sites cannot avail of modified self-isolation.
COVID-19 vaccination clinics remain open in the Western Health and Central Health regions. If you are not symptomatic and you are not isolating for any reason, please proceed with your vaccination. If you are isolating, please contact Public Health in the region for vaccination advice. The most up to date vaccine data and the number of vaccine doses administered can be found on the provincial COVID-19 data hub. Information on COVID-19 vaccines for Newfoundland and Labrador 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
Please continue following the proven Public Health measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 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. 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