Potential COVID-19 exposure on Marine Atlantic crossing as N.L. reports 2 new cases

As Newfoundland and Labrador reportstwo 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 theMV Blue Puttees when it crossed fromNorth 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 departmentsaid 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-isolatebut 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 oldin the Labrador-Grenfell region who travelled within Canada.

The other new confirmed case is a man age20-39 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 nowidentified 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, including610 since Friday.

Read morefrom CBC Newfoundland and Labrador