COVID-19 testing in Newfoundland and Labrador expanding to focus more on vulnerable populations

Premier Dwight Ball says decision to suspend parental visits to kids in foster care was tough but necessary to stop the risk of spread

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald in Newfoundland and Labrador's Chief Medical Officer of Health. — Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

A change in strategy is being employed to detect more cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador and protect the most vulnerable.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says testing is being expanded to include those with symptoms who are in vulnerable or higher-risk situations or who work with vulnerable populations.

“Our goal is to identify and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our health-care facilities, long-term care facilities, personal care homes, day cares, emergency shelters, correctional facilities and other housing programs serving vulnerable populations,” said Fitzgerald.

“We will continue to analyze our data and will use the information to inform our testing strategy in the coming days and weeks.”

Fitzgerald says the change in testing was influenced by data gathered in this province and elsewhere.

“We have to remember that the test itself is not the magic bullet,” she said.

Premier Dwight Ball says the decision made earlier this week to suspend visitation to children in foster care was a difficult one.

“While it does help us to find cases and to help with contact tracing, the fact of the matter is if you have symptoms, the best way to protect those around you is to make sure you stay at home and to self-isolate.”

The one new COVID-19 case in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region is a health-care employee at the Charles S. Curtis centre in St. Anthony. Contact tracing has begun.

Premier Dwight Ball says the decision made earlier this week to suspend visitation to children in foster care was a difficult one.

“It’s a decision that’s consistent with the advice provided by our chief medical officer. It’s meant to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Ball.

“We also speak and contact with impacted parents, caregivers, foster parents, and children and youth to explain the decision. It’s very difficult for children who are three, four and five years old.”

Ball says technology is available for those in care to stay in contact with family.

Health Minister Dr. John Haggie says the peak of COVID-19 cases is still coming and we all need to prepare.

“When our numbers begin to climb, they will do so very rapidly, without warning. When that happens, when the peak arrives, the capacity we’ve been able to generate over these weeks will be pretty well what we have to rely on at that point,” said Haggie.

“By delaying the peak by distancing, we buy ourselves further time to prepare.”

Fitzgerald encouraged anyone who knows someone who is isolating or in quarantine to reach out to them and offer support during this difficult time.

“This, of course, does not mean visiting them at home. But it could simply mean having a virtual conversation and coffee, sharing a few jokes, or bringing them an essential item — all while maintaining physical distance,” she said.

“We can each do our part by supporting loved ones and neighbours in self-isolation and by continuing to practice physical distancing, proper handwashing, cough-and-sneeze etiquette, and staying home when you are unwell.”