Today (Saturday, May 8), Newfoundland and Labrador has six 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 60-69 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The third new confirmed case is a female in the Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is a close contact of a previous known case.
The fourth 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 fifth new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region under 20 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The sixth new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region 70 years of age or older. The case is under investigation.
Contact tracing by Public Health is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
There are two new recoveries, one in the Eastern Health region and one in the Western Health region and 1,056 people have recovered. One person is in hospital due to COVID-19.
There are 67 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 67 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 40
- Central Health – 12
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 3
- Western Health – 12
To date, 135,914 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
There are no new presumptive positive cases.
The department is advising rotational workers about identified COVID-19 outbreaks at the British Columbia Hydro Site C project and MEG Energy 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 the 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.
Out of an abundance of caution and because of today’s cases, Public Health is asking passengers who travelled on the flights listed below 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 678 that departed Montreal and arrived in St. John’s on Tuesday, May 4.
- Air Canada Flight 678 that departed Montreal and arrived in St. John’s on Wednesday, May 5.
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