Category: Covid-19

WHO still working to identify origins of COVID-19  KSL.com

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WHO still working to identify origins of COVID-19 - KSL.com

Near-Peer-Teaching Revision Series During the COVID-19 ...  Cureus

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Near-Peer-Teaching Revision Series During the COVID-19 ... - Cureus

If you test positive for COVID-19, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours.

If you think you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments, contact your primary care provider or pharmacist to determine if Paxlovid is right for you.

When you are feeling better and leave home, for 10 days after your symptoms started, you should:

If you have any questions about COVID-19, please call1-833-951-3859from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also emailcovid19info@gov.nl.cawith any questions you may have. This email is monitored from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

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If You Have COVID-19 - COVID-19

1. What is a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

A rapid COVID-19 self-test can be used at home to detect COVID-19. Rapid self-tests give you results in about 10-15 minutes. If you test positive on a rapid test, you have COVID-19. Please review the guidance for positive cases for more information.

2. I am fully vaccinated, is it okay for me to take a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

Yes, you can use a rapid COVID-19 self-test if you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

3. How do I use a rapid COVID-19 self-testing kit?

Instructions will be provided in the kit you are given. For more information refer to the instructions for the specific test you are using or visit: Instructions COVID-19 (gov.nl.ca)

4. When should I use a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

The tests can be used if you are experiencing mild symptoms (e.g. a runny nose). A single negative test result is not completely reliable. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should take two tests 48 hours apart.

5. When is it not appropriate to use a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

If you experiencing more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care immediately.

6. Can I use the rapid COVID-19 self-test if I dont have symptoms?

Rapid COVID-19 self-tests should be used if you are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19.

7. I recently received a COVID-19 vaccine and I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should I use a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

You may experience symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need to use a rapid COVID-19 self-test unless symptoms persist longer than two days.

8. Can I use the rapid COVID-19 self-tests on my child who is under two years old?

The rapid self-test kits have not been approved for use in children under two years of age.

9. What happens if my rapid COVID-19 self-test is negative?

If you test negative on a rapid test, this does not always mean you do not have COVID-19. A single negative test result is not completely reliable.

If you have symptoms, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours.

Repeat testing improves accuracy. If the first rapid self-test is negative, and you continue to have symptoms, do another test 48 hours later.

If you choose to get tested and you test positive, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours. Contact your primary care provider or pharmacist if you think you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

When you are feeling better and leave home, for 10 days after your symptoms started, you should:

10. I do not have symptoms of COVID-19 but tested positive on a rapid test, what should I do?

You have COVID-19. Visit Guidance for Positive Cases for more information.

11. I have tested positive twice using a rapid COVID-19 self-test but then had a negative third rapid COVID-19 self-test?

You have COVID-19. You only require one positive test. Do not complete any additional testing. Visit Guidance for Positive Cases for more information.

12. What happens if my rapid COVID-19 self-test is positive?

A positive rapid test result means you have COVID-19. Visit Guidance for Positive Cases for more information

13. How do I safely dispose of my used rapid COVID-19 self-test?

You can safely dispose used tests in your household garbage

14. I am symptomatic and I do not have any rapid COVID-19 self-test kits at home.

If you have symptoms, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours.

Contact your primary care provider or pharmacist if you think you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

15. My rapid COVID-19 self-tests are negative but I have symptoms of COVID-19, what should I do?

If you have symptoms, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours.

Repeat testing improves accuracy. If the first rapid self-test is negative, and you continue to have symptoms, do another test 48 hours later.

When you are feeling better and leave home, for 10 days after your symptoms started, you should:

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Rapid Self-Testing Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19

As you use this risk assessment tool, including the simple questionnaire at the end, the following four words should guide you: People, Space, Time, and Place.

COVID-19 is easily spread in respiratory droplets by coughing or sneezing. COVID-19 can also be passed along if you touch something contaminated with the virus and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after a person becomes infected with COVID-19 virus. Some people who get infected with COVID-19 may have mild symptoms or not be sick at all. However, they can still spread the disease to others.

If you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you can move about more. This includes increasing your social interactions, going out for groceries and other necessities, and resuming other activities you did prior to the pandemic. Make sure you maintain physical distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands. In communities where there is a low spread of COVID-19 and the full school reopening model is in effect, attendance at school is recommended for all children and youth including those with immunocompromising conditions who would usually attend school.

Even though you have done your best to avoid COVID-19, you may become infected. If you are worried you may have COVID-19:

Everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of disease and keeping our community healthy. You can help by:

Being able to distinguish between higher and lower COVID -19 risk situations should help you make good decisions. An example of a high-risk setting for COVID-19 transmission is a group activity in an indoor enclosed space for a prolonged period of close contact. The risk associated with a setting that fits this description can be reduced by moving the event outside, increasing natural or mechanical ventilation inside, shortening the duration of the event, physically distancing and/or wearing a non-medical mask.

It is important to make decisions using reliable and up-to-date information.

As you use this risk assessment tool, including the simple questionnaire at the end, the following four words should guide you: People, Space, Time, and Place.

Interacting with more people raises the risk of spread of COVID-19. Consider reducing the number of people you interact with.

(Close contact is defined as within 2 meters (or two arm lengths))

The closer you are to people, the greater the risk of spread of COVID-19. To lower your risk you should consider physical distancing with a minimum distance of 2 meters between you and other people.

(Prolonged contact is defined as greater than 15 minutes.)

If you answered yes, you are at a higher risk of COVID-19 and you should consider reducing the time you spend interacting with people not in your social bubble.

If yes, you are at a higher risk of COVID-19. Interactions in an indoor setting are of greater risk than interactions taking place outdoors. Where possible, interact with other people outdoors. If the setting must be indoors, practice physical distancing and wear a non-medical mask.

If you answered yes, and have not received two doses of vaccine, you should consider limiting your interactions to a small number of people, preferably outdoors, avoid close interactions with others, physical distance, wear a non-medical mask and wash your hands frequently.

Learn more about who is at high risk

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COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool - COVID-19

Please read this information before booking an appointment to receive the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine

Who has received the AstraZeneca vaccine?

In this province, the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine was provided to over 20,000 individuals.

Newfoundland and Labrador has enough mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) vaccine to immunize individuals ages 12 years and older.

https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/vaccine/gettheshot/

Should I be worried if I have received the AstraZeneca Vaccine?

Health Canada has stated that the AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD COVID-19 vaccine continues to be safe and effective at protecting Canadians against COVID-19 and encourages people to get immunized with any of the COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized in Canada.

There have been rare reports of blood clots (Vaccine Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia or VITT) following vaccination with AstraZeneca in Canada and elsewhere in the world. It is not known if blood clots are more common in people who have had blood clots before, people with a family history of blood clots, people with a low platelets, or pregnant women, because VITT does not develop through the same process as usual types of bleeding or clotting problems.

What symptoms should individuals look for following AstraZeneca vaccination?

You should speak to a health care professional if you have unusual or severe symptoms after any COVID-19 vaccine. If you experience any of the following symptoms between 4 and 28 days after your AstraZeneca vaccination, these symptoms might indicate that you have VITT (also referred to as a blood clot).

These symptoms can also be a sign of other serious conditions and should be assessed in an emergency department.

Based on current evidence, for those individuals who have already been vaccinated with AstraZeneca more than 28 days ago there is no cause for concern.

What should you do if you have concerning symptoms after the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine?

You should speak to a health care professional if you have unusual or severe symptoms after any COVID-19 vaccine. If your symptoms are not severe, you can see (virtually or in-person) your primary care professional. If you have severe symptoms, you should go to the nearest emergency department immediately. You should tell the health care providers who see you that you received the AstraZeneca/COVISHEILD COVID-19 vaccine and give them the date you got vaccinated. If the healthcare professional who assesses you is concerned, you may have scans and additional bloodwork collected.

Do healthcare professionals know how to diagnose and treat Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT)?

Yes. Health care professionals and scientists in Newfoundland and Labrador have been working with experts in Canada, and around the world, to better understand VITT. Public Health has summarized what we know about VITT right now and has published guidelines for healthcare professionals outside and inside the hospital, to help them diagnose and treat VITT.

Will those who have received a first dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine receive a second dose?

Before you decide which vaccine you will receive, consider the following information.

An mRNA vaccine isnow preferredas the second dose for individuals who received a first dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD. This is based on emerging evidence of better immune response from this mixed vaccine schedule, and to mitigate the potential risk of Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) associated with viral-vector vaccines.

If you choose to complete the series with AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine, please review the following information:

Completing the series with AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine:

Completing the vaccine series with an mRNA vaccine:

Currently, mRNA and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine are both available in Newfoundland and Labrador. Therefore those who wish to have a second dose with mRNA will not be delayed in receiving that vaccine. If a person chooses an mRNA vaccine for their second dose, they do not need to restart a series. If a person needs help with understanding the information above, they may contact a healthcare professional.

Could other COVID-19 vaccines available in Newfoundland and Labrador cause vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT)?

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of VITT with any other COVID-19 vaccine.

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AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Information - COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Criteria

All people in Newfoundland and Labrador aged 6 months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. This page provides information about vaccine eligibility and recommendations on the type of vaccine people should receive. If you have questions about your individual circumstances, including your individual risks and benefits of vaccination, please speak with your health care provider.

Individuals, aged five and older, that have not received a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine since September 21, 2022 are encouraged to receive one now. Individuals that received a booster on or after September 21, 2022 do not need an additional booster at this time, even if it has been 20 weeks or more since their fall booster.

Canadas National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) makes COVID-19 vaccine specific recommendations for people of all ages. These recommendations and guidance from NACI are availablehere.

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection)

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection.)

1-833-951-3884

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection)

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection)

1-833-703-5470

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection)

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection)

1-833-961-3749

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection)

(20 weeks from their last vaccine dose or 3 months from COVID-19 infection)

1-833-960-3643

All adults, adolescents, and children 5 years of age and older are eligible for a fall booster with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regardless of the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses previously received. Individuals will be encouraged to receive their booster dose 20 weeks from their last vaccine dose and 3 months from COVID-19 infection.Fall booster vaccines can be given at the same time as other immunizations. This will include the seasonal flu vaccine, once it becomes available this fall.

Starting October 28, 2022, Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine (vaccine containing the original and Omicron strain) will be available for anyone 12 years of age and older.

Children 6 months to under 5 years of Age

All children in this age group are eligible to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccine series of Moderna vaccine. A primary series consists of two doses. Children must be at least six months of age at the time of their immunization appointment. The interval between first and second doses for most children is eight weeks. Booster doses are not available for this age group at this time.

For more information for children 6 months to under 5 years of age: Children 6 Months to under 5 Years of Age COVID-19 Vaccine (gov.nl.ca)

Children 5 to 11 years of Age

Children in this age group are eligible to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccine series as well as a booster dose. Children who have not yet received their fall booster (since September 21, 2022), and whose last vaccine was at least 20 weeks ago can now avail of this bivalent vaccine through regional health authorities. Individuals that received a booster after September 21, 2022 do not need an additional booster at this time, even if it has been 20 weeks or more since their fall booster.

It is recommended for individuals in this age group to receive the Pfizer vaccine for all doses, due to a lower risk of myocarditis/pericarditis with this vaccine as compared to the Moderna vaccine in this age group. Children must be five years old at the time of their immunization appointment. The interval between first and second doses for most children is eight weeks. Children that are immunocompromised should receive 3 doses to complete their primary series. The timeline to receive a first booster dose is at least 20 weeks from the last dose in their primary series.

Children in this age group are eligible for a Fall 2022 COVID-19 Booster Vaccine

For more information for children 5 to 11 years of age: Children 5 to 11 Years of Age COVID-19 Vaccine (gov.nl.ca)

Youth 12 to 17 years of Age

Youth in this age group are eligible to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccine series and booster doses. A primary series consists of two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine; three doses for an individual that is immunocompromised. The interval between primary series doses is eight weeks. Youth aged 12 to 17 are recommended to receive the Pfizer vaccine for all doses, due to a lower risk of myocarditis/pericarditis with this vaccine as compared to the Moderna vaccine in this age group.

Youth in this age group are eligible for a Fall 2022 COVID-19 Booster Vaccine

Individuals aged 12 and older can receive Pfizers bivalent vaccine.

Individuals aged 12 to 17 years of age are eligible to receive a Moderna Spikevax bivalent vaccine, if they are diagnosed with any of the following:

Adults 18 years and older

All adults aged 18 and older are eligible to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccine series and booster doses. A primary series consists of two doses; three doses for individuals that are immunocompromised. The interval between primary series doses is 8 weeks. A fall Booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine is available when at least 20 weeks have passed since your last dose. For booster doses, either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) can be given, regardless of the COVID-19 vaccines previously given.

Individuals in this age group are eligible for aFall 2022 COVID-19 Booster Vaccine including the COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine

Should I receive a COVID-19 Fall Booster Dose?

All adults, adolescents, and children 5 years of age and older are eligible for a fall booster with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regardless of the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses previously received. Individuals will be encouraged to receive their booster dose 20 weeks from their last vaccine dose and 3 months from COVID-19 infection. All adults aged 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 Bivalent fall booster dose.

Can I get a COVID-19 immunization after Ive had a COVID-19 infection?

It is possible that people will get COVID-19 before getting their COVID-19 vaccine. At the very least, people need to wait until they have fully recovered and completed their isolation period before getting their next dose. Public health recommends waiting 3 months after a COVID-19 infection to receive a COVID-19 vaccine provided it has been 20 weeks since your last dose. Recommendations may be different if you are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Please speak to your health care provider to get the best advice on when to get your next vaccine dose after a COVID-19 infection. For more information on NACIs recommendation on interval between infection and getting your next COVID-19 vaccine dose, please visit:COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide Canada.ca.

Individuals 5 years of age and older who have had a COVID-19 infection are eligible for a Fall 2022 COVID-19 Booster Vaccine. All adults aged 18 and over and individuals 12 years of age or older with an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease are eligible to receive a COVID-19 Bivalent fall booster dose.

How can I access the Novavax Nuvaxovid or other vaccine products?

If you are 18 years of age or older and you are unable or choose not to receive an mRNA vaccine, a recombinant protein subunit (Novavax Nuvaxovid) vaccine may be offered as a second dose. The Medicago Covifenz vaccine is not yet available in Newfoundland and Labrador. Please check this page for future updates.

To book an appointment for Novavax Nuvaxovid, please contact your regional health authority:

Vaccination Documents

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Get the Shot - COVID-19 Vaccine

Because you have symptoms of COVID-19, you must self-isolate. This means do not go to public places, stay at home, and do not have any visitors.

To determine if you need to get tested for COVID-19, complete the COVID-19 Self-Assessment and Test Reporting Tool. If the self-assessment tool determines you require testing, a booking clerk/Public Health Official will be in touch with you to book a date, time and location for your test.

If your symptoms resolve before you get your test result, you should stay home until you get your test result to make sure you do not have COVID-19.

Other members of your household do not need to self-isolate while you are waiting for your test result.

If your test is negative, you should self-isolate until 24 hours after your symptoms improve. If you test positive, follow the guidance for positive cases.

If you need help in determining your self-isolation requirements, please call1-833-951-3859from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. You can also emailcovid19info@gov.nl.cawith any questions you may have. This email is monitored from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

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You need to self-isolate. - COVID-19

Savannah Guthrie leaves 'Today' in the middle of the show after testing positive for COVID-19  USA TODAY

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Savannah Guthrie leaves 'Today' in the middle of the show after testing positive for COVID-19 - USA TODAY

Oregon COVID-19 hospitalizations fall earlier than expected on third anniversary of states first case  OregonLive

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Oregon COVID-19 hospitalizations fall earlier than expected on third anniversary of states first case - OregonLive