Today (Sunday, October 11), Newfoundland and Labrador has no new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The province has nine active cases.

Two hundred and sixty-nine people have recovered from the virus. To date, 46,565 people have been tested.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health is providing guidance to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador regarding travel to the Moncton and Campbellton regions of New Brunswick. This guidance is being issued because of COVID-19 outbreaks in these two regions.

If travel to these regions is required, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should follow any and all Public Health guidance in effect in New Brunswick. While in New Brunswick, people should limit the number of close contacts to as few as possible, maintain physical distancing, practice frequent and proper hand hygiene, and practice proper respiratory etiquette.

Travellers to Newfoundland and Labrador from these regions for the first 14 days after arrival should self monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and contact 811 to arrange testing if symptoms develop.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever (or signs of a fever, including chills, sweats, muscle aches, light headedness);
• 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.

Travellers to Newfoundland and Labrador from these regions should follow any and all Public Health guidance in effect in this province. For the first 14 days after arrival, travellers should also not attend any large gatherings and avoid crowded public places.

Based on the current situation in these regions and the information available to Public Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador, this extra level of caution is appropriate. While travel within the Atlantic Bubble is permitted, this guidance is being issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health out of an abundance of caution. Newfoundland and Labrador remains part of the Atlantic Bubble and there is no evidence to support leaving the bubble at this time.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has been in communication with Public Health officials in New Brunswick and continues to monitor the situation. If the situation in these regions change, further measures may need to be implemented. All provinces in the Atlantic Bubble continue to work together to ensure the health and safety of people living within the Atlantic region.

In Alert Level 2, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should continue to practice good infection prevention and control practices. Daily preventative actions can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

These actions 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.

People are reminded that COVID Alert is available for download free through the Apple or Google Play app stores. Public Health is encouraging people to download the app to help reduce the spread of the virus.

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
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca