Newfoundland and Labrador’s COVID-free status didn’t last long.
The province has a new confirmed case of the virus—a woman between the ages of 20 and 39 in the Eastern Health region.
The case is travel-related. The woman is not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and was granted an exemption to travel to the province.
Officials say she arrived on a direct flight from Toronto on August 6 and was not showing symptoms while traveling.
The provincial government is asking passengers of Air Canada flight AC690, from Toronto to St. John’s on August 6, to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
.@GovNL asking people who traveled on @AirCanada flight AC690 to Monitor for COVID-19 Symptoms and call 811. #covid19nfld pic.twitter.com/051yIvOeOw
— Greg Smith (@RadioGregSmith) August 7, 2020
Contact tracing is currently underway and anyone considered a close contact is being advised to quarantine.
A challenge of the province’s travel ban is currently being heard in Supreme Court in St. John’s.
Hudson & Rex Producer says Virus Detected Through Screening Protocol
(Photo courtesy Hudson & Rex.)
Paul Pope of Pope Productions confirms that the latest case of COVID-19 was detected through their own screening protocols.
Pope says they are taking the matter very seriously. He says the incident is contained, and the individual involved was not in contact with anyone from the St. John’s community.
“We are taking this incredibly seriously and the health and safety of our cast, crew and the St. John’s community is paramount. This incident is contained and the individual was in contact with no one from the St. John’s community. As one of the first productions out in Canada during a global pandemic, we are continuing to evolve, make changes and improve to best operate in a way that protects the safety of the community and everyone involved.”
-Statement from Pope Productions.
Passengers Advised to Monitor for Symptoms
Meanwhile those who traveled on Air Canada Flight AC690 from Toronto to St. John’s on August 6 are being asked to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
If symptoms develop, affected individuals are asked to call 811 for follow-up.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever (or signs of a fever, including chills, sweats, muscle aches, lightheadedness);
- Cough;
- Headache;
- Sore throat;
- Painful swallowing;
- Runny nose;
- Diarrhea;
- Loss of sense of smell or taste;
- Unexplained loss of appetite; and,
- Small red or purple spots on the hands and/or feet.
