Today (Wednesday, February 3), Newfoundland and Labrador has two new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The first new confirmed case is male in the Western Health region between 50-59 years of age.
The case is related to international travel and the individual is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador. The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing is underway.
The second new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 60-69 years of age.
The case is travel related. The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, returned to the province from work in British Columbia. The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing is underway.
The province has 14 active cases of COVID-19.
There has been one new recovery in the Eastern Health region since yesterday meaning 389 people have recovered.
One person is in hospital.
To date, 81,060 people have been tested.
The investigation into the source of the infection for the case reported on Wednesday, January 27 is ongoing. There are five confirmed cases associated with that cluster. As a result of contact tracing and public notification of potential exposure in several establishments in the St. John’s downtown area, over 200 people are in self-isolation and have been tested for COVID-19. All test results have been negative to date.
Super Bowl LV is Sunday, February 7. Public Health is encouraging people to keep any gatherings to their close and consistent contacts. While the Special Measures Order sets a maximum of 20 people for an informal gathering, Public Health is asking people to think long and hard before organizing or attending a gathering of this size. People must be mindful of the potential risks and consequences for themselves, their families and their communities.
Public Health is reminding people about the phrase People, Space, Time, and Place. People should always consider these four important reminders.
- 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 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.
The Department of Health and Community Services is asking passengers who travelled on the flights listed below to arrange COVID-19 testing.
- Air Canada Flight 7480 from Montreal to St. John’s on Friday, January 22.
- Air Canada Flight 7481 from St. John’s to Montreal on Sunday, January 24.
To arrange testing, passengers can call 811 or complete the online self-assessment and referral tool available here.
Public Health is making this ask out of an abundance of caution and because they are aware of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a traveller with the possibility of potential exposure on these flights to and from the province. Contact tracing is finished for the case and the individual is no longer in this province. This case is not related to any confirmed cases in Newfoundland and Labrador at this time.
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.
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.
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