Public Health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 appear to have had a significant impact on the flu season.

As of the week ending January 16, the number of lab-confirmed cases of influenza right across Canada was “extremely low” with no cases at all confirmed in this province.

Health Canada says as of last week, there was no evidence of community spread of influenza in the country.

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, says COVID precautions appear to be making the difference.

There are only about 50 or so cases confirmed in all of Canada, while the average number of reported cases at this time of year is about 14,000.

The provincial government put a push on last fall to ensure as many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as possible received their flu shots.