No new COVID-19 cases in N.L. for 9th straight day
CBC News | Posted: May 16, 2020 4:45 PM | Last Updated: May 16, 2020
8 active cases of COVID-19 remaining in the province
For the ninth straight day, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The province has seen two new cases of the virus in the past two weeks.
According to a release from the provincial government Saturday, the total number of cases remains at 260. By region, there are 242 cases in the Eastern Health region, eight cases in the Central Health region, four in the Western Health region and six in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region.
There are eight active cases of COVID-19 in the province, as 249 people have recovered from the virus. Active cases are the total cases minus recovered cases and deaths.
By age, there are:
- 22 people with the virus 19 and under.
- 38 between 20 and 39.
- 38 between 40 and 49.
- 58 between 50 and 59.
- 57 between 60 and 69.
- 47 between 70 and above.
Three people are in hospital, with one in intensive care. In total, 10,525 people have been tested for the virus, up 179 from Friday.
The number of COVID-19-related deaths in the province remains three.
Long weekend looking different this year
Going into the Victoria Day weekend — a popular camping weekend across Newfoundland and Labrador — the province's health officials say the long weekend will have to look different this year.
Campgrounds across the province remain closed as a result of the pandemic, with the possibility of reopening still weeks away. Day camping cannot open until the province reaches Alert Level 3, and overnight camping won't begin until Alert Level 2.
Although the number of active COVID-19 cases has dropped in recent days, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald on Friday said the risk of catching the virus is still real due to increased public interaction because of the move to Alert Level 4.
Fitzgerald encouraged virtual gatherings or getting outside with members of your own bubble over the holiday.
"No matter your plans this weekend, may you find time to sit back and relax with those closest to you. Find comfort in knowing you are doing your part to keep others safe and find positives in everyday, while creating new and lasting memories," she said Friday.
"The time will come again when we will be able to reunite with family and friends to carry on the traditions we know and love."
The province's daily COVID-19 briefings will continue Tuesday after the Victoria Day holiday.