CORNER BROOK, N.L. —
A man who died while in self-isolation was one of two new cases of COVID-19 reported by Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Health and Community Services over the weekend.
The department says the man, who was in the Western Health region, died on Thursday.
The second case reported on the weekend, that of woman in the Western Health region, is related to that of the man who died.
The man, who was between 60 and 69 years old, is the fourth person in the province to die because of COVID-19, but the first in almost six months. The last previous death was reported on April 9.
According to the department’s news release, he arrived in Canada from Central Africa on Sept. 29, then came to this province on Sept. 30, travelling from Toronto to Halifax on Air Canada Flight 604, and from Halifax to Deer Lake on Air Canada Flight 8876.
The department said public health guidelines were followed and the man was pre-symptomatic during travel.
“The risk is low, but out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Health and Community Services is asking people who travelled on Air Canada Flight 8876 departing Halifax for Deer Lake on Wednesday, Sept. 30, to self-monitor for symptoms and contact 811 to avail of testing,” reads the news release.
The female is also between 60-69 years of age. She also travelled to Canada from Central Africa and was also asymptomatic during travel.
The woman is self-isolating. An investigation by Public Health is completed. Anyone considered a close contact is in quarantine and has been tested.
The province has four active cases of COVID-19, while 269 people have recovered from the virus.
To date, 44,121 people have been tested.
The department recommends the following actions to prevent the spread of the virus:
• Stay informed, be prepared, and follow public health advice;
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water;
• Do not touch your face;
• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette;
• Wear a non-medical mask in public indoor spaces;
• Maintain physical distancing;
• Increase cleanliness and ventilation of public spaces and worksites; and,
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others.
