Today (Tuesday, May 11), Newfoundland and Labrador has 15 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are six in the Eastern Health region, four in the Central Health region and five in the Western Health region.

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 female 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 50-59 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.

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 Eastern Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.

The sixth 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 seventh 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 eighth 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 ninth 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 tenth new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region under 20 years of age. The case is a close contact of a previous case.

The eleventh new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 60-69 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.

The twelfth new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.

The thirteenth new confirmed case is a female in the Western Health region under 20 years of age. The case is a close contact of a previous case.

The fourteenth new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.

The fifteenth new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.

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

There are five new recoveries, one in the Eastern Health region, three in the Central Health region and one in the Western Health region and 1,069 people have recovered. One person is in hospital due to COVID-19.

There are 77 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 77 active cases is as follows:

• Eastern Health – 46
• Central Health – 12
• Labrador-Grenfell Health – 1
• Western Health – 18

To date, 136,615 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 presumptive positive case reported yesterday has now been confirmed and is included in the province’s total active case count.

Out of an abundance of caution and because of recent cases over the weekend, 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 Friday, May 7.
• WestJet Flight 3422 that departed Halifax and arrived in St. John’s on Friday, May 7.
• Air Canada Flight 7542 that departed Toronto on Friday, May 7 and arrived in Deer Lake on Saturday, May 8.
• Air Canada Flight 678 that departed Montreal and arrived in St. John’s on Saturday, May 8.
• Air Canada Flight 7542 that departed Toronto on Saturday, May 8 and arrived in Deer Lake on Sunday, May 9.
• Air Canada Flight 8016 that departed Montreal and arrived in St. John’s on Sunday, May 9.

While we understand the recent increase in COVID-19 cases is concerning, it is not unexpected given the epidemiology elsewhere in the country. We are seeing increased travel into the province. We encourage those travelling to the province, as well as their families, 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.

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