News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health has confirmed that a person 70-79 in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) has died as a result of COVID-19. This brings the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the province to 91.

“I am sorry for the loss of another person to this virus,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “The last few days we have seen a downward trend in case numbers and higher numbers of daily recoveries than new cases. This is a reminder of the importance of following the rules, as doing so works and will allow us to continue on the path we are currently on.”

“My condolences to the loved ones of the person who has died due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “I encourage everyone to do everything within their power, including following all restrictions currently in place and getting vaccinated if you are eligible, so that we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and our fellow New Brunswickers.”

Of the 61 people hospitalized due to the virus, 31 are unvaccinated, five are partially vaccinated and 25 are fully vaccinated. There are 20 people in an intensive care unit, none of whom are fully vaccinated; 18 are unvaccinated and two are partially vaccinated.

Public Health reported 53 new cases of COVID-19 today and 138 recoveries, dropping the number of active cases to 849. Of the new cases, 33 – or 62 per cent – are unvaccinated, seven – or 13 per cent – are partially vaccinated, and 13 – or 25 per cent – are fully vaccinated.

Rapid-tests available for pickup at locations throughout province

Free rapid COVID-19 tests that people can administer at home are now available for those who have not tested positive for COVID-19.

The tests are designed for people two and older. Most kits have five tests to be used over a 10-day period. People 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult to acquire a kit.

All the locations will be open during their scheduled hours or until the daily supply has been given out. New supplies of test kits will continue to be delivered to the pick-up locations throughout the week.

“Please be patient with the staff who are diligently working to get rapid test kits into the hands of New Brunswickers,” said Russell. “We appreciate that so many people want to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you do get a positive result on a rapid test kit, it is important that you register for a COVID-19 lab test.”

Anyone who has been directed by Public Health to isolate is not permitted to leave isolation if they receive a negative result from a rapid test kit.

A full list of locations is available on both Vitalité’s and Horizon’s website. More information on the rapid test kits program is available online.

Vaccination update

Public Health reported today that 82.5 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 91.5 per cent have received their first dose of a vaccine.

If you have not yet had your first or second dose, you are asked to go to a walk-in clinic or book an appointment through a participating pharmacy or at a Vitalité or Horizon health network clinic as soon as possible.

All eligible New Brunswickers can book their second-dose appointments for a date that is at least 28 days after their first dose.

Those attending a vaccination clinic are asked to bring their Medicare card, a signed consent form and, for those receiving their second dose, a copy of the record of immunization provided after receiving their first dose.

A list of upcoming mobile and walk-in clinics is available online.

Confirmed cases in schools and child-care facilities

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has made updates to to improve response time and reporting on outbreaks in schools. More information on cases in schools is now available on the Healthy and Safe Schools website and the COVID-19 dashboard.

Positive cases have been confirmed in child-care facilities in Zones 1 (Moncton region) and 5 (Campbellton region). Affected families have been notified. If you or a family member have been in close contact with a case, you will be notified by Public Health or the facility for contact tracing. If you are not notified directly, you have not been identified as a close contact.

Zone 1 (Moncton region) – A case has been confirmed at Garderie Le Pavillon du Sommet and Wee College Downtown, both located in Moncton. A new case has been confirmed at JD Tae Kwon Do in Moncton.

Zone 5 (Campbellton region) – A case has been confirmed at Garderie L’Enfant Magique Inc. in Campbellton. A new case has been confirmed at Garderie Dragon Day Care in Atholville.

Since Sept. 7, 56 early learning and child-care facilities have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Circuit breaker in areas with high transmission now in effect

Due to the high number of COVID-19 transmissions, a 14-day circuit breaker went into effect at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, for certain areas of the province.

These areas are Zone 1 (Moncton region) as far north as and including Sainte-Anne-de-Kent and including Havelock in Zone 2; the northern portion of Zone 3 from and including Deerville and Florenceville-Bristol; and all of Zone 4 (Edmundston region), including Menneval in Zone 5.

More information about the circuit breaker rules, including a detailed list and map of affected communities, is available online.

Regional breakdown of new cases

The 20 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:

·         six people 19 and under;

·         two people 20-29;

·         10 people 30-39; and

·         two people 40-49.

All 20 cases are under investigation.

The four new cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) as follows:

·         two people 50-59;

·         a person 60-69; and

·         a person 70-79.

All four cases under investigation

The six new cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:

·         a person 50-59;

·         three people 60-69; and

·         two people in 70-79.

All six cases are under investigation

The 10 new cases in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) are as follows:

·         a person 19 and under;

·         a person 30-39;

·         two people 40-49;

·         three people 50-59;

·         two people 70-79; and

·         a person 90 and over

All 10 cases are under investigation.

The 11 new cases in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) are as follows:

·         two people 19 and under;

·         a person 20-29;

·         three people 30-39;

·         three people 50-59; and

·         two people 60-69.

All 11 cases are under investigation

The one new case in Zone 6 (Bathurst region) is a person 80-89. This case is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

The one new case in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) is a person 19 and under. This case is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

Additional information is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

Potential public exposures

Anyone with symptoms of the virus, as well as anyone who has been at the site of a possible public exposure, is urged to request a test online to get an appointment.

A map of potential public exposures can also be found on the COVID-19 dashboard.