There are two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province today.
Both are in the Eastern Health region and involve people under the age of 20 who are contacts of previous cases.
Eleven people are in hospital with the virus. There have been 27 new recoveries for a total of 236 active cases in Newfoundland and Labrador.
A previous case reported on February 22, has turned out to be a false positive.
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says there has been great interest in preregistration for those 70 and older for the COVID vaccine. She says there’s been good uptake with over 35,000 people already pre-registered.
Those with access to the internet are encouraged to fill out the form online and help others who may need assistance. Or you may call 1-833-668-3930 or 709-273-3930 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
In the meantime, Fitzgerald is strongly discouraging people from non-essential travel in and out of the metro region while it remains in Alert Level 5. Visits to the cabin or a snowmobile run are not considered to be essential, she suggests.
NL Reviewing AstraZeneca Vaccine Following Health Canada Approval
(Vaccine illustration courtesy AstraZeneca.)
The province is still reviewing the evidence surrounding the AstraZeneca vaccine, which received Health Canada approval late last week.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says the vaccine meets Health Canada’s standards for safety and efficacy and quality.
The vaccine is effective in preventing serious illness as a result of COVID-19 says Fitzgerald and they’re still reviewing the evidence to see where it will fit into the province’s strategy.
Premier Andrew Furey expressed optimism knowing that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is “not too far behind” in getting Health Canada approval.
