ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Department of Health confirmed a new case of COVID-19 Friday in the central region of the province.
The man, who’s under the age of 40, had returned from work in the United States and was not experiencing symptoms on the flight.
The department said he self-isolated on his return and was following public-health orders.
Contact tracing has begun.
That raises the total number of cases in the province to 272, of which only one other case remains active.
Almost 37,000 people have been tested for the coronavirus so far.
Extra resources
Meanwhile, Eastern Health announced Friday that extra resources have been put on its COVID-19 referral line to handle an increase in testing requests.
When individuals call the referral line, they are now able to choose one pathway for school-age children or a second pathway for inquiries related to adults, including rotational workers looking to book COVID-19 testing.
The hours of the referral line have also been extended. Phone lines are now open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. People who are symptomatic are asked to complete the online assessment tool on the government’s COVID-19 website, and, if indicated, call 811 to determine whether they should call the referral line.
The authority will also open a new drive-thru testing facility for school-age children at the Janeway hospital in St. John’s.
Testing is by appointment only and individuals will remain in their vehicles while the testing is completed. Parents and guardians of children who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to complete the online self-assessment at www.811healthline.ca before calling 811. Based on advice from 811, children may then be scheduled for an appointment to be tested.
The clinic is located near the rehabilitation entrance of the Janeway, and will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
