Today (Friday, February 5), Newfoundland and Labrador has one new confirmed case of COVID-19.

The one new confirmed case is a female in the Western Health region between 50-59 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.

The investigation into the source of the infection for the cluster in the Eastern Health region is ongoing. There are six confirmed cases associated with the cluster.

The Department of Health and Community Services is also advising the public that testing by the Public Health and Microbiology Laboratory is ongoing for the presumptive positive case of COVID-19 reported yesterday.

There are 14 active cases.

There has been one new recovery in the Central Health region since yesterday meaning 391 people have recovered from the virus.

There is no one in hospital.

To date, 81,594 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.

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