Today (Friday, April 30), Newfoundland and Labrador has eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The first new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The second new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The third new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The fourth new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The fifth new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The sixth new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 50-59 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The seventh new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The eighth new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is under investigation.
Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
There are two new recoveries in the Eastern Health region and 1,033 people have recovered. There are two people in hospital due to COVID-19.
There are 33 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 33 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 14
- Central Health – 6
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 0
- Western Health – 13
While we understand the increase in cases is concerning, it is not unexpected given the epidemiology elsewhere in the country. We are seeing increased travel into the province recently and encourage those traveling to the province to make themselves aware of the public health guidelines and follow the appropriate isolation protocols. We want to assure the public that the recent cases are isolating and there is no concern of community spread at this time. We ask that everyone, including those traveling into the province, continue following the public health guidance.
To date, 133,113 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
There are three new presumptive positive cases in the province. One of the presumptive positive cases is in hospital. Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
Presumptive positive cases are not added to the province’s total active case count or hospitalizations until they are confirmed positive by the laboratory. It may take several days for confirmatory testing to be completed.
Once presumptive positive cases are confirmed positive, they are reported in public updates as new confirmed cases.
Presumptive positive cases are treated the same way as confirmed positive cases. These individuals are advised to self-isolate. Anyone considered a close contact is advised to quarantine. Public Health starts contact tracing for these cases.
The case reported on Friday, April 23 in the Western Health region remains under investigation.
Due to today’s cases and out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is asking passengers who travelled on the below flights to arrange COVID-19 testing. To arrange testing, passengers can complete the online self-assessment and referral tool available here or call 811.
- Air Canada Flight 8018 that departed Montreal and arrived in St. John’s on Saturday, April 24
- Air Canada Flight 7540 that departed Toronto and arrived in Deer Lake on Tuesday, April 27
- Air Canada Flight 7540 that departed Toronto and arrived in Deer Lake on Wednesday, April 28
- Air Canada Flight 8008 that departed Toronto on Wednesday, April 28 and arrived in Deer Lake on Thursday, April 29
- Air Canada Flight 8996 that departed Halifax and arrived in St. John’s on Thursday, April 29
- Air Canada Flight 7540 that departed Toronto and arrived in Deer Lake on Thursday, April 29
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.
People 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.
The most up to date vaccine data and the number of vaccine doses administered can be found on the provincial COVID-19 data hub. Information on the COVID-19 vaccine for Newfoundland and Labrador is available online here. Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out can be found on the websites for each of the regional health authorities:
Eastern Health
Central Health
Western Health
Labrador-Grenfell Health
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
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca