Today (Saturday, May 1), Newfoundland and Labrador has five 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 international travel.
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 under investigation.
The fourth new confirmed case is a female in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The fifth new confirmed case is a female in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region between 60-69 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
Contact tracing by Public Health officials is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
Because of today’s cases and out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is issuing a flight advisory. Passengers who travelled on Air Canada Flight 8016 that departed Montreal and arrived in St. John’s on Thursday, April 29, are asked to arrange COVID-19 testing. To arrange testing, passengers can complete the online self-assessment and referral tool available here or call 811.
There are five new recoveries, two in the Eastern Health region and three in the Western Health region and 1,038 people have recovered. There are three 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 – 15
- Central Health – 6
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 2
- Western Health – 10
To date, 133,377 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
There are no new presumptive positive cases in the province. Presumptive positive cases are not included in 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. For example, the three presumptive positive cases reported yesterday have now been confirmed and are included in the province’s total active case count.
The province is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Eastern Health because of a ship anchored in Conception Bay. One crew member is confirmed COVID-19 positive at this time and testing of all crew has taken place aboard the ship. The ship and crew are following Public Health orders as directed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The department is advising rotational workers about an identified COVID-19 outbreak at the Oilsands Industrial Lodge in Alberta. The department was notified about the outbreak by the Public Health Agency of Canada as individuals from this province work at the site. A list of worksites with declared outbreaks can be found online here.
Rotational workers with this project who have returned to Newfoundland and Labrador in the last 14 days must self-isolate and physically distance away from household members, and call 811 to arrange testing. These workers must now complete the full 14-day self-isolation period, regardless of test result.
The rules for rotational workers from Newfoundland and Labrador who work in Canada that went into effect Friday, March 12, do not apply to workers at worksites where there is an ongoing outbreak.
The case reported on Friday, April 23 in the Western Health region remains under investigation.
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. We encourage those travelling to the province to make themselves aware of the Public Health guidelines and to 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 travelling into the province, remain vigilant and continue following Public Health guidance.
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
Tina Newhook
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca