The province has one new confirmed case of COVID-19—the first in 2021.

The travel-related case involves a man in the Central Health region. The man, who is between the ages of 20 and 39 is self-isolating and contact-tracing is underway.

That brings the total number of active cases of the virus in the province to 10.

The regular provincial COVID-19 briefings resumed for the year today.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says while Newfoundland and Labrador is the envy of many parts of the world, she urges continued vigilance.

With a two-week incubation period, she warns that the impact of the Christmas holiday season may be seen in the coming days.

She also took the opportunity to remind people to download the COVID Alert app.

Decision Expected on Atlantic Bubble

A decision is expected in the coming days on Newfoundland and Labrador’s participation in the Atlantic Bubble.

The province pulled out of the Bubble in December for a month. That deadline is coming up January 7.

The decision means that all travellers, including those from the Atlantic provinces, must self-isolate for a full 14 days on arrival in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Public health officials made the decision following evidence of community spread of the virus in Nova Scotia and increased case numbers in New Brunswick.