Today (Saturday, February 6), Newfoundland and Labrador has three new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The first new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age.

The case is related to travel. The individual, who is not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the province from Quebec for work purposes. The individual is self-isolating. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is ongoing. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.

The second new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age.

The source of the infection is under investigation. An update will be provided as more information becomes available. The individual is self-isolating and contact tracing is underway.

As part of its ongoing investigation into the case and out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is asking anyone who worked at or visited the following establishment on the specified dates and times listed below to call 811 to arrange testing. People can also arrange testing by completing the online self-assessment and referral tool available here. All those who get tested must self-isolate until they receive a negative test result.

• Bigs Restaurant in Mount Pearl, 2 Olympic Drive, from Thursday, January 21 to Thursday, February 4.

The restaurant has been notified and will be closing until all staff are tested. Public Health is thanking the restaurant for their cooperation. Restaurants and bars remain open during Alert Level 2. Public Health is reminding people to strictly adhere to the orders of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The third new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 40-49 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 also a close contact of a previous known case.

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

The Department of Health and Community Services is providing an update on the one new presumptive positive case of COVID-19 reported Thursday, February 4.

Thursday’s presumptive positive case was a male in the Eastern Health region between 40-49 years of age and was a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Following retesting at the provincial Public Health and Microbiology Laboratory it was determined that this individual is not a case.

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.

There are 17 active cases.

There have been no new recoveries since yesterday meaning 391 people have recovered from the virus.

There is no one in hospital.

To date, 81,799 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.

– 30 –

Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca