Today (Friday, May 21), Newfoundland and Labrador has ten new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is one case in the Eastern Health region, seven in the Central Health region and two cases in the Western Health region.
The first new confirmed case is a male in the Eastern Health region between 40-49 years of age. The case is related to travel within Canada.
The second 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 third new confirmed case is a male in the Western Health region between 50-59 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 under investigation.
Central Health is investigating a cluster of cases in the region. The source of these cases is under investigation. There are seven cases to date in this cluster, including the six cases listed below as well as the case from yesterday, which is still under investigation. There are also four presumptive positive cases related to the cluster.
The fifth new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 50-59 years of age.
The sixth new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region between 20-39 years of age.
The seventh new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region between 60-69 years of age.
The eighth new confirmed case is a female in the Central Health region between 50-59 years of age.
The ninth new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 20-39 years of age.
The tenth new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 40-49 years of age.
Contact tracing by Public Health is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
As stated above, there are four new presumptive positive cases in the Central Health region. Once presumptive positive cases are confirmed positive, they are reported in public updates as new confirmed cases. The department is advising the public that the presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in the Western Health region reported on Saturday, May 15, 2021, has since been determined to be a false positive. This means the individual does not have COVID-19.
There are 12 new recoveries, one in the Eastern Health region, five in the Central Health region and six in the Western Health region and 1,146 people have recovered. There are four people in hospital due to COVID-19.
There are 70 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 70 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 31
- Central Health – 19
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 1
- Western Health – 19
To date, 140,911 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
With the May 24th weekend here, Public Health is encouraging everyone to please be safe and remember that public health recommendations and restrictions are still in place. However you choose to spend your long weekend, please remember to:
- Wear your mask in indoor public spaces;
- Keep your social interactions to those in your steady 20; and
- Maintain at least six feet distance from people who are not your close contacts.
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