Today (Thursday, February 4), Newfoundland and Labrador has one new confirmed case of COVID-19.

The one new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region under 19 years of age.

The individual is a close contact of a previous known case. The individual is a member of the same household.

The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing is complete.

This case is connected to the recent cluster. It has been determined that the daycare is not the source of the infection.

This means there are now six confirmed cases associated with that cluster. The investigation into the source of the infection for the cluster is ongoing.

The Department of Health and Community Services is also advising the public that there is one new presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in the province.

The case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 40-49 years of age.

The individual, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is self-isolating. Contact tracing is underway. Anyone considered a close contact is being advised to quarantine.

The provincial Public Health and Microbiology Laboratory will do additional testing to confirm this case. Until confirmation is received from the provincial lab, this case is considered presumptive positive. As a result, the province has 14 active cases. The online COVID-19 Data Hub will reflect this. If the case is confirmed positive by the provincial lab, the public will be notified and the numbers on the hub will be updated as needed.

There has been one new recovery in the Eastern Health region since yesterday meaning 390 people have recovered from the virus.

There is no one in hospital.

To date, 81,345 people have been tested.

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 again 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