News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health reported 31 new cases of COVID-19 and 38 recoveries today. The number of active cases is 506.

Of the new cases, 16 – or 52 per cent – are unvaccinated, three – or nine per cent – are partially vaccinated, and 12 – or 39 per cent – are fully vaccinated.

There are 24 people in hospital including 14 who are unvaccinated, one who is partially vaccinated and nine who are fully vaccinated. There is currently no one 19 or under in the hospital.

There are 16 people in an intensive care unit; 12 are unvaccinated, one is partially vaccinated, and three are fully vaccinated.

Circuit breaker reminder

The following areas are currently under a circuit breaker: Zone 1 (Moncton region); most of Zone 2 (Saint John region); the northern portion of Zone 3 (Fredericton region); all of Zone 4 (Edmundston region); and all of Zone 5 (Campbellton region).

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

Vaccination update

Public Health reported today that 85.1 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 92.6 per cent have received their first dose of a vaccine.

“Individuals looking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to book an appointment at a regional health authority vaccination clinic,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Walk-in visits are not encouraged and individuals are asked to be patient while in line.”

Health-care personnel – including those working in long-term care facilities – and residents of First Nations communities can now book an appointment to receive an mRNA COVID-19 booster dose if six months have passed since their second dose of a vaccine. They must bring their proof of vaccination, i.e. immunization record, to their appointment.

Beginning this week, people 65 and older and school personnel will be able to book an appointment to receive an mRNA COVID-19 booster dose if six months have passed since their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have received one or two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be able to book an appointment to receive an mRNA COVID-19 booster dose if 28 days have passed since their second dose.

Appointments for first and second doses, as well as a booster dose for those eligible, can be scheduled at a regional health authority vaccination clinic through the online booking system or at a participating pharmacy. Residents of First Nations communities can also book an appointment at a community clinic.

A list of upcoming clinics is available online.

CUPE strike affecting pandemic response

While Public Health has implemented contingency plans, CUPE did not agree to the designation of essential workers in COVID-19 services (screening, vaccination clinics, assessment centres, labs), putting further strain on the health-care system.

The strike is creating a significant impact on other health-care staff who have put in extra effort and hours throughout the last year and a half. Some regional health authority vaccination clinics and COVID-19 screening at assessment centres have had to be cancelled or rescheduled. At this time, regional health authority vaccination clinics are only accepting people with scheduled appointments and are not able to accommodate walk-in appointments. People are asked to be patient with staff and expect delays.

Other COVID-19 services that have been affected include the cancellation of some of Horizon Health Network’s mobile rapid-screening kit pickup locations and some rapid-screening kit pickup sites within the Vitalité Health Network. A complete list of available sites for Vitalité Health Network is available online.

Due to decreased testing capacity, Public Health has identified priority groups to receive PCR tests. This is intended to protect the most vulnerable and support case and contact management. Asymptomatic individuals and those not directed by Public Health for testing may experience delays.

Regional breakdown of new cases

The 15 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:

• six people 19 and under;
• two people 30-39;
• three people 40-49;
• three people 50-59; and
• a person 60-69.

Ten cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and the other five cases are under investigation.

The 12 new cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:

• six cases 19 and under;
• a person 20-29;
• four people 30-39; and
• a person 60-69.

Eight cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and four cases are under investigation.

The one new case in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) is a person 19 and under. This case is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

The three new cases in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) are as follows:

• a person 20-29;
• a person 40-49; and
• a person 60-69.

Two cases are under investigation and one case is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

Additional information is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

Confirmed cases in schools and child-care facilities

Information on cases in schools is now available on the Healthy and Safe Schools website and the COVID-19 dashboard.

Since Friday, Oct. 29, a case has been confirmed at each of the following facilities which are all located in Zone 1 (Moncton region): Reaching for Rainbows After School Program; Kingswood Academy; Centre du Jour l’Éveil. 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.

Since Sept. 7, 63 early learning and child-care facilities have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Potential public exposures

Anyone with two or more symptoms of the virus is urged to request a test online to get an appointment.

If you have been at the site of a possible public exposure, but remain asymptomatic, you may be able to pick up a rapid-screening kit (while supplies last).

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