Health officials have called an unscheduled briefing for Monday morning to discuss the cluster of COVID cases in central Newfoundland.
It’s set for 10 a.m. with Premier Andrew Furey, Health Minister John Haggie and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald.
The province has reported a total of 27 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far this long weekend, with 23 of those linked to the cluster. That makes 24 cases in total in the Notre Dame Bay region involving communities from Lewisporte to Summerford.
The other four weekend cases include two each in the Eastern and Western regions either related to travel or close contacts of known cases.
The new cases in Central range from under the age of 20 to one person at least 70 years old.
Also Sunday, Public Health issued an advisory involving Loblaws Pharmacy in Lewisporte, asking anyone who worked at or visited the business inside the independent grocery store during the following days and times to get tested: Wednesday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
As well, anyone who was in the business at those times and is experiencing symptoms is required to isolate for 24 hours after the symptoms go away and they receive a negative test. Those who do not have symptoms don’t have to isolate until they receive a negative test, but they are asked to monitor for symptoms.
Central Health is also offering rapid testing for residents in the Lewisporte-Summerford area for anyone with COVID symptoms. Clinics are at the Salvation Army Church in Lewisporte on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone seeking rapid testing does not need an appointment but are asked to wait in their vehicle until advised to go inside. Only people who have had symptoms for fewer than seven days will receive a rapid test. Those who have not had symptoms in the past seven days will receive the standard COVID test.
The source of the cluster is still under investigation and there are eight outstanding presumptive positive cases which aren’t reported as positive until confirmed.
Public Health is advising against travel in and out of the Lewisporte to Summerford area except for essential reasons, and residents are being reminded to get tested whether or not they have symptoms.
Four people are in hospital with the virus and there are 87 actives cases in the province.
