Today (Tuesday, December 8), Newfoundland and Labrador has one new confirmed case of COVID-19.
The one new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 50-59 years of age.
The case is travel-related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in the Northwest Territories.
The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing by Public Health officials is complete.
The investigation by Public Health into the source of the infection for the case announced Saturday, December 5 in the Central Health region is continuing.
While the investigation continues, individuals living in Harbour Breton and the surrounding area have been asked to take extra precautions. People should stay home as much as possible and avoid holding or attending social gatherings.
Central Health has established a mobile testing site in Harbour Breton. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, even if those symptoms are mild, are asked to stay home, self-isolate, and call 811 to arrange for testing through the mobile site.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever (or signs of a fever, including chills, sweats, muscle aches, lightheadedness);
- 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.
The temporary changes to the Atlantic Bubble travel protocol announced Wednesday, November 23 remain in effect and as announced yesterday, are extended for one month, up to and including Thursday, January 7.
This means people arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador from within the Atlantic Bubble are required to self-isolate for 14 days. All travellers, including Atlantic Bubble travellers, must complete the travel form which is available here. The travel form can be submitted online up to 30 days prior to travel.
Newfoundland and Labrador has 28 active cases of COVID-19.
There has been one recovery in the Western Health region since yesterday’s public advisory. This means 320 people have recovered from the virus.
No one is in hospital due to the virus.
To date, 64,967 people have been tested.
Public Health is reminding people to strictly adhere to the orders from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
People must remain vigilant and follow all Public Health measures to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the spread of COVID-19.
In Alert Level 2, 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.
Public Health is reminding people about the phrase People, Space, Time, and Place. People should always consider these four important reminders. They are especially important with the holidays approaching.
- 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.
Public Health has prepared guidance on holiday activities. Holiday events or gatherings should be planned in accordance with Public Health guidelines. The guidance is available here.
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
Tina Newhook
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca