The Chief Medical Officer of Health says COVID-19 has been circulating undetected in the province for some time.
There are 100 new positive cases reported in the province and one new presumptive positive case.
In the Eastern Health region, the cases include 74 under 20 years of age; 10 between 20-39 years of age; four between 40-49 years of age; six between 50-59 years of age; one between 60-69 years of age; and four over 70 years of age.
The presumptive case is a man in his 60s in the Western Health region.
That leaves 210 active cases in the province. Five of which are in the Western Health region, the remaining 205 are in Eastern Health’s region.
That’s prompted another advisory from Dr. Janice Fitzgerald who indicates a number of parties, gatherings, and sporting events contributed to the spread. All those identified in a number of groups and events are asked to isolate for 14 days. If a self-isolating individual who attended one of these events develops any symptoms of COVID-19, they should arrange testing:
- Students in Grades 7-12 and other individuals who attended parties or gatherings of 10 or more people with these students in the metro area on February 5-7;
- Students in Grades 7-12 and other individuals who played team sports with students in the metro area on February 5-7, which includes individuals who live outside of the metro area who played on the same or opposing teams or played in a tournament; and,
- Individuals who coached or assisted with team sports in Grades 7-12 who played games or practiced in the metro area on February 5-7.
Symptom Criteria for Testing Expanded
Due to the rapidly-growing outbreak of COVID-19, Public Health is advising anyone with a single symptom of COVID-19 to get tested.
To arrange such testing, you can contact 811 or by completing the Government of NL’s online self-assessment and referral tool, at this link.
Symptoms 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.