ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Anyone who has travelled outside Newfoundland and Labrador within the last two weeks is being asked to avoid visiting people in hospitals, long-term care homes and personal-care homes.
The new recommendation comes directly from the chief medical officer of health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald. She’s scheduled to hold a news conference with media at 2 p.m. Thursday in St. John’s. In a news release, the Department Health and Community Services said elderly residents or patients and those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions are more susceptible to developing complications from COVID-19.
We are *LIVE* from Health and Community Services with Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, to discuss #COVID19 #GovNL https://t.co/qi3Qwf3VL2
— Government of NL (@GovNL) March 12, 2020
“Anyone with cold or flu symptoms should also avoid visiting until their symptoms disappear,” the release stated. “Those infected with COVID-19 may have mild to severe symptoms. These symptoms may be similar to a cold or flu, and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughs and difficulty breathing. People experiencing symptoms are advised to call 811 to speak with a registered nurse and, if necessary, self-isolate.
Those feeling unwell or already in self-isolation are advised to:
• avoid close contact with people with chronic conditions and older adults;
• avoid welcoming visitors and attending social gatherings, school and daycare;
• avoid public transit and taxis;
• wash hands with soap and warm water frequently for at least 20 seconds;
• use hand sanitizer when water and soap is unavailable;
• cover your month with your arm when coughing or sneezing.
There remain no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador as of early Thursday afternoon, March 12. More information from government on COVID-19 can be found here.
