Today (Monday, May 3), Newfoundland and Labrador has four 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 Western Health region under 20 years of age. The case is a close contact of a previous case.

The third new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is a close contact of a previous case.

The fourth new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is a close contact of a previous case.

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

There is also one new confirmed case of COVID-19 on the ship anchored in Conception Bay. This means a total of 13 crew are confirmed COVID-19 positive. The ship and crew are following Public Health orders as directed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Testing of all crew is finished. One crew member is in hospital, while the rest of the crew remain onboard. There is no risk of community spread. The province is continuing to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Eastern Health while the ship remains anchored in Conception Bay.

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 8996 that departed Halifax and arrived in St. John’s on Friday, April 30, 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.

While we understand the recent increase in COVID-19 cases is concerning, it is not unexpected given the epidemiology elsewhere in the country. We want to assure the public that the recent cases are isolating and there is no concern of community spread at this time. We are seeing increased travel into the province. We encourage those travelling to the province to make themselves aware of the Public Health guidelines and to follow the appropriate isolation protocols. We ask that everyone, including those travelling into the province, remain vigilant and continue following Public Health guidance.

There are no new recoveries and 1,038 people have recovered. There are two people in hospital due to COVID-19.

There are 56 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 56 active cases is as follows:

• Eastern Health – 31
• Central Health – 10
• Labrador-Grenfell Health – 2
• Western Health – 13

To date, 133,930 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.

There are no new presumptive positive cases in the province.

The case reported on Friday, April 23 in the Western Health region remains under investigation.

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