The official updated COVID numbers for the province don’t come out until later this afternoon, but a number of new confirmed and presumed positive cases are emerging in the Central Newfoundland region.

COVID testing is underway at the George Hawkins Arena in Twillingate following a recent exposure in the area.

Medical Officer of Health with Central Health, Dr. Monica Dutt says as a result of that testing, as of this morning eight people are confirmed positive with another ten people in the Twillingate area who are presumptive positive.

To provide some context, Dr. Dutt says most of those cases are close contacts of previous cases, which is something Public Health officials say is not unexpected.

The remainder are under investigation.

COVID testing continues today in Twillingate, no appointment is necessary.