The province announced 8 new cases of COVID-19 today, all in the Eastern Health Region. This is the largest spike in cases since the spring.
The first new confirmed case is a male in his 40s.
The second new confirmed case is a male in his 50s.
These cases are related to international travel. These individuals were not residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. These individuals, who arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador while in transit to another international destination, have since left the province.
Another individual, who tested positive for COVID-19 and who was included in the department’s active case count, also left the province with these individuals. There is no risk to anyone travelling on commercial airlines or ferries as a result of their arrival or departure.
The third case is a female between 20-39 years old. This case is related to international travel. The individual, who is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, is self-isolating.
The fourth and fifth cases are a male between 20-39 years of age and a male in his 50s. These cases are travel-related. The men returned to the province from work in Alberta. Both individuals are self-isolating.
The sixth and seventh cases are both men in their 40s. The source of the infection for these cases are under investigation.
The eighth new confirmed case is a male between 20-39 years of age. The source of the infection for this case is under investigation.
Newfoundland and Labrador has 31 active cases of COVID-19. There has been one recovery since yesterday in the Central Health region.
Public Advisory
The Department of Health and Community Services is asking passengers who travelled on Air Canada Flight 690 from Toronto to St. John’s that arrived Friday, December 11 or Thursday, December 17 to call 811 to arrange COVID-19 testing.
The department is also advising rotational workers about two COVID-19 outbreaks in Alberta at the Chevron Duvernay Lodge and Suncor’s Fort Hills oil sands site.
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.
