N.L. reports 3 more COVID-19 cases aboard ship in Conception Bay

Newfoundland and Labrador Wednesdayis reporting three more cases of COVID-19 aboard the Princess Santa Joana, anchoredin Conception Bay.

The total number of active cases in the province is 23.There have been no new recoveries.

There are now eightconfirmed cases on the Santa Joana, in addition to the 14 crew members who previously tested positive on the Iver Ambition,a cargo ship also anchored in the bay.

The Princess Santa Joana is a Portuguese fishing vessel that arrived in Conception Bay earlier this week. There are 39 crew members on board, according to Portuguese news outlet SAPO 24.All are in isolation and undergoing testing,said the Department of Health in Wednesday's media release.

One of the crew members is in hospital.

A total of 163,468 people have now been tested for COVID-19 in the province, including 256since Tuesday's update.

Wednesday's COVID-19 update was provided by a media release in place of the usual weekly briefing with Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald. The Department of Health recently announced briefings will be held every two weeks, starting July 21, barring a drastic change in the province's situation.

Meanwhile, Eastern Health issued a public service announcement on Wednesday about vaccine appointments available in July for first and second dose appointments:

• Mount Pearl:Glacier Arena, July 14-16 and July 19-23.
• Carbonear: Fong's Motel, July 16-17 and July 19-21.
• Holyrood: legion, July 16.
• Dildo: Lions Centre, July 19.
• Harbour Grace:Danny Clearycommunity centre, July 23.

Each clinic will be administering Moderna vaccine doses. Anyone seeking a vaccine can book an appointmentthrough the provincial government's website.

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