News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Sixty-five more people have recovered from COVID-19. Public Health is reporting 65 new cases of the virus, with the number of active cases at 580.

Of the new cases, 42– or 65 per cent – are unvaccinated and 23 – or 35 per cent – are fully vaccinated.

There are 11 people in an intensive care unit; nine are unvaccinated, one is partially vaccinated, and one is fully vaccinated.

There are 19 people in hospital, including the 11 in intensive care. Of the 19 in hospital, 15 are unvaccinated, one is partially vaccinated and three are fully vaccinated. There is currently no one 19 or under in hospital.

The weekly chart, showing the rates of cases and hospitalizations per 100,000 New Brunswickers based on their vaccination status, was released today. The risk of getting COVID-19 and being hospitalized remains far higher among those unvaccinated or partially vaccinated compared to those who are fully vaccinated.

Circuit breaker changes come into effect at 6 p.m.

COVID-19 circuit breaker measures in Zone 2 (Saint John region) will end tonight at 6 p.m.

“Most of the new cases we are reporting today in the Saint John region are people who were already isolating and then received confirmation from a PCR test that they were positive,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “However, we are seeing some new cases in the Charlotte County region, so we will continue to monitor the situation. At this time, Public Health remains comfortable removing the circuit breaker for Zone 2, but we ask people to please remain vigilant and follow public health measures.”

The circuit breaker will continue for another seven days in parts of Zone 1 (Moncton region) but will be reduced to only cover the municipalities of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview. The other areas of Zone 1 currently in a circuit breaker will have those restrictions lifted tonight at 6 p.m. 

“Residents in Moncton are going on week five of circuit breaker measures, and I understand that people are feeling tired and frustrated, however the issue of household gatherings and people not isolating is our major source of problems in that area,” said Russell. “I am meeting with community leaders in this area today to help explain what is taking place so they can assist in letting residents know what they have to do to help bring the situation back under control.”

Enforcement is being increased to ensure those who are supposed to be isolating are doing so and that gatherings of multiple households are not taking place. Residents are encouraged to call 1-844-462-8387 or email [email protected] to report violations of the rules.

Additionally, a circuit breaker will take effect at 6 p.m. tonight for 14 days for all of Zone 7 (Miramichi region) except for Black River Bridge and communities to the east, Murray Settlement and areas south, and New Jersey and communities north.

“The Miramichi region currently has one of the highest positivity rates in the province, which is why the circuit breaker measures are necessary,” said Russell. “Our contact tracers are working hard to trace the spread so that we can have a better idea exactly how it is being spread throughout the community. Sticking to the circuit breaker measures, such as not having any household gatherings, will help limit the spread.”

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

Outbreak declared at two First Nations communities in Zone 3

Public Health has declared outbreaks at Oromocto First Nation and Woodstock First Nation.

Following confirmation of positive cases, members of the Provincial Rapid Outbreak Management Team were deployed to assist those communities with testing. There are 15 confirmed cases at Oromocto First Nation and 16 at Woodstock First Nation.

Vaccination update

Public Health reported today that 86.3 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 93 per cent have received their first dose of a vaccine.

Health-care personnel – including those working in long-term care facilities – and residents of First Nations communities can 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 proof of vaccination, i.e. immunization record, to their appointment.

People 65 and older and school personnel are permitted 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.

Fully vaccinated people who have received one or two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in their series are permitted to book an appointment to receive an mRNA booster dose if 28 days have passed since their second dose.

International travellers who mixed their first two doses of vaccine products are eligible to book an appointment to receive a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. This applies to anyone who must travel outside of North America for work, education or medical procedures. A booster dose of an mRNA vaccine will be available as long as a 28-day interval has passed since their previous dose.

A detailed list of those eligible for a booster dose is available online.

Appointments for first and second doses, as well as a booster dose for those who are 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.

Regional breakdown of cases

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

• nine people 19 and under;
• two people 20-29;
• a person 30-39;
• three people 40-49;
• a person 50-59;
• a person 60-69;
• two people 70-79; and
• a person 80-89.

Thirteen cases are under investigation and seven cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The 15 new cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:

• four people 19 and under;
• three people 20-29;
• a person 30-39;
• four people 40-49;
• a person 70-79; and
• two people 80-89.

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

The 18 new cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:

• two people 19 and under;
• two people 20-29;
• seven people 30-39;
• three people 40-49;
• a person 50-59;
• a person 60-69; and
• two people 70-79.

Twelve cases are under investigation and six are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

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

• a person 19 and under;
• a person 30-39; and
• a person 40-49.

All three cases are under investigation.

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

• four people 19 and under;
• a person 20-29;
• a person 30-39; 
• two people 50-59; and
• a person 70-79.

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

Additional information is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

Confirmed cases in schools and child-care facilities

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

A new case has been confirmed since Wednesday at Garderie Tourbillon De Soleil in Zone 5 (Campbellton region), which was previously impacted. 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, 69 early learning and child-care facilities have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Potential public exposure

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.