Today (Thursday, May 13), Newfoundland and Labrador has seven new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are four in the Eastern Health region and three in the Central Health region.
The first new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region under 20 years of age. The case is a close contact of a previous case.
The second new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern 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 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 50-59 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 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The seventh new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region between 50-59 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 six new recoveries, one in the Eastern Health region, two in the Central Health region and three in the Western Health region and 1,081 people have recovered. There is no one in hospital due to COVID-19.
There are 82 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 82 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 49
- Central Health – 16
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 2
- Western Health – 15
To date, 137,572 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
There are no new presumptive positive cases in the province.
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 8016 that departed Montreal and arrived in St. John’s on Tuesday, May 11.
- Air Canada Flight 7540 that departed Toronto and arrived in Deer Lake on Tuesday, May 11.
The Department of Health and Community Services is advising rotational workers about identified COVID-19 outbreaks at worksites in Alberta. They are:
- CIVEO Athabasca Lodge
- Energy Transfer Canada Kaybob South 3 Processing Plant
- RCCC West Kakwa Lodge
- Tamarack Valley Energy Drilling Rig Nipisi
- Wapasu Creek Lodge
The department was notified about the outbreaks by the Public Health Agency of Canada as individuals from this province work with the project. A list of worksites with declared outbreaks can be found online here.
Rotational workers with these projects 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, 2021, do not apply to workers at worksites where there is an ongoing outbreak.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever, including chills or sweats;
- A new or worsening cough;
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
- Runny, stuffy or congested nose;
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing;
- Headache;
- Loss of sense of smell or taste;
- Unusual fatigue or lack of energy;
- New onset of muscle aches;
- Loss of appetite;
- Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours; and,
- Small red or purple spots on hands and/or feet.
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