Today (Saturday, May 22), Newfoundland and Labrador has four new confirmed cases of COVID-19. Three are in the Central Health region and one is in the Western Health region.
The first new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 60-69 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 20-39 years of age. The case is under investigation.
The third new confirmed case is a male in the Central Health region between 20-39 years of age. The case is under investigation.
The fourth 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 known case.
Contact tracing by Public Health is underway. Anyone considered a close contact has been advised to quarantine.
The investigation into the cluster of cases in the Central Health region is continuing. There are now nine confirmed cases associated with the cluster and the source of infection remains under investigation. There are also 14 presumptive positive cases to date related to the cluster. Once presumptive positive cases are confirmed positive, they are reported in public updates as new confirmed cases.
Effective today, the Lewisporte to Summerford area of the province is in Alert Level 4. This includes the communities of Sandy Cove, Laurenceton, Burnt Arm, Brown’s Arm, Porterville, Stanhope, Lewisporte, Embree, Little Burnt Bay, Michael’s Harbour, Campbellton, Comfort Cove-Newstead, Loon Bay, Baytona, Birchy Bay, Boyd’s Cove and Summerford and Cottlesville. Moving to Alert Level 4 will give Public Health the ability to carry out their investigation and conduct community wide testing in the area, while reducing the risk of onward transmission and spread. Please refer to the Provincial Government COVID-19 website to review the restrictions associated with Alert Level 4. Information on community wide testing is available on Central Health’s website.
The case reported yesterday Friday, May 21 in the Western Health region and the case reported Thursday, May 20 in the Central Health region remain under investigation.
There are nine new recoveries. There are three new recoveries in the Eastern Health region, one in the Central Health region and five in the Western Health region and 1,155 people have recovered. There are four people in hospital due to COVID-19.
There are 65 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. The regional breakdown of the 65 active cases is as follows:
- Eastern Health – 28
- Central Health – 21
- Labrador-Grenfell Health – 1
- Western Health – 15
To date, 141,243 people have been tested. People can check their COVID-19 test results online here.
During the May 24th weekend, Public Health is encouraging everyone to be safe and remember that Public Health recommendations and restrictions are still in place. However you choose to spend the long weekend, please remember to:
- Wear a mask in public indoor spaces;
- Keep social interactions to those people in your steady 20; and,
- Maintain at least six feet distance from people who are not close contacts.
The recent increase in COVID-19 cases is concerning; however, it is not unexpected given the epidemiology elsewhere in the country. There is 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