Potential COVID-19 exposure on Marine Atlantic crossing as N.L. reports 2 new cases
CBC News | Posted: August 23, 2021 4:04 PM | Last Updated: August 23, 2021
Passengers who travelled in the deck 7 seating area are advised to arrange for testing
As Newfoundland and Labrador reports two new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, some passengers and crew who recently travelled on a Marine Atlantic ferry are being asked to get tested because of a possible exposure.
Those who were aboard the MV Blue Puttees when it crossed from North Sydney, N.S., to Port aux Basques, N.L., for the night crossing on Thursday are being asked to arrange for a test.
In a media release Monday, Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Health advised all passengers who travelled in the seating area of Deck 7 to arrange for testing. Passengers who travelled in the cabin area do not need to get tested.
In the release, the department said a traveller tested positive for the virus and there is a possibility that other passengers may have been exposed.
Public health is advising anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate until they receive a negative test result. Passengers without symptoms do not have to self-isolate but are advised to monitor for symptoms and follow isolation rules based on their vaccination status.
Passengers can arrange testing by calling 811 or completing the online self-assessment.
2 new cases
Meanwhile, the province reported two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the weekend along with one recovery, leaving 15 active cases.
One of the cases is travel-related, and involves a woman between 20 and 39 years old in the Labrador-Grenfell region who travelled within Canada.
The other new confirmed case is a man age 20-39 in the Eastern Health region, and is a close contact of a previous case.
No one is in hospital due to the virus.
An investigation into cluster of COVID-19 cases in the St. John's area stemming from travel has now identified five connected cases, according to the department — up one from Friday's update.
The risk of spread related to the cluster is low, says the Department of Health.
A total of 267,768 COVID tests have now been administered in the province, including 610 since Friday.