Today (Sunday, May 16), Newfoundland and Labrador has nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are two cases in the Eastern Health region, three cases in the Central Health region and four cases 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 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 Central Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The fourth 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 fifth 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 sixth new confirmed case is a male in the Western 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 Western 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 Western Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The ninth new confirmed case is a female in the Western Health region between 20-39 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 no new presumptive positive cases. 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 is still presumptive. It has not been confirmed positive and it is not included in the province’s total active case count.
There remain eight confirmed cases related to the Codroy Valley and surrounding area, and three of those confirmed cases are associated with the school. There is no evidence of widespread community transmission in the Codroy Valley and surrounding area at this time.
There are two new recoveries in the Eastern Health region and 1,098 people have recovered. One person is in hospital due to COVID-19.
There are 85 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 85 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 47
- Central Health – 16
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 1
- Western Health – 21
To date, 139,068 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
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
Tina Newhook
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca