Today (Wednesday, February 24), Newfoundland and Labrador has eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The eight new confirmed cases are as follows:

In the Eastern Health region:

• Three under 20 years of age;
• Four between 40-49 years of age; and,
• One between 50-59 years of age.

There are three females and five males.

Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.

Newfoundland and Labrador is reporting its fifth death from COVID-19. The individual, a male from the Eastern Health region, was over the age of 70. The department is sending its condolences to this individual’s family and asks everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this time.

There are no new or outstanding presumptive positive cases.

There are 345 active cases of COVID-19.

The regional breakdown of the 345 active cases is as follows:

• Eastern Health – 336
• Central Health – 4
• Labrador-Grenfell Health – 1
• Western Health – 4

There have been 34 new recoveries in the Eastern Health region since yesterday. This means 610 people have recovered from the virus.

Six people are in hospital. Of these patients, three are in intensive care.

To date, 110,176 people have been tested.

People are reminded that they can check their COVID-19 test results online here.

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.

Public Health is reminding people about the phrase People, Space, Time, and Place.

• 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.

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
Tina Newhook
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca