News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health reported today that 49 people have recovered from COVID-19 and there are 40 new cases of the virus, with the number of active cases at 525.

“More than two-thirds of our cases today are in the circuit breaker zones,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “I understand that people are tired and frustrated, but we really need residents of these areas to follow the public health measures and isolate when they are experiencing two or more symptoms of COVID-19 so that we can bring the situation back under control.”

There are 21 people in hospital, including the 14 in intensive care. There is currently no one 19 or under in the hospital.

Vaccination update

Public Health reported today that 86.7 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 93.1 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 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.

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 with mixed 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 eligible, can be scheduled for a regional health authority community COVID-19 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 mobile and walk-in clinics is available online.

Outbreak declared at St. Mary’s First Nation in Zone 3

Public Health has declared an outbreak at St. Mary’s First Nation in Zone 3 (Fredericton region), with 13 confirmed cases of the virus.

Following confirmation of positive cases, members of the Provincial Rapid Outbreak Management Team were deployed to assist the community.

Circuit breaker reminder

The following areas are currently under a circuit breaker: the municipalities of Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe in Zone 1 (Moncton region) and most of Zone 7 (Miramichi region).

Enforcement has been 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.

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

• four people 19 and under;
• five people 20-29;
• six people 30-39;
• two people 40-49;
• two people 50-59;
• one person 70-79; and
• one person 80-89.

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

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

• three people 19 and under;
• a person 40-49;
• two people 50-59; and
• a person 70-79.

Two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases, four cases are under investigation and one is related to travel.

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

• three people 19 and under;
• a person 40-49; and
• two people 50-59.

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

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

• three people 19 and under;
• a person 20-29;
• a person 30-39; and
• a person 50-59.

One case is under investigation and five are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

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.

Since Friday, Nov. 12, a case has been confirmed at Just Kids Daycare Centre in Zone 7 (Miramichi region), Cedar Brook Early Learning Centre of Excellence in Zone 3 (Fredericton region), Garderie l'Étoile Filante in Zone 4 (Edmundston region), YMCA Day Care and Kiddies Kollege in Zone 3 (Fredericton region), Go Go After School Island View School in Zone 2 (Saint John region), Northend Learning Center in Zone 1 (Moncton region), and Petitcodiac Boys and Girls Club in Zone 1 (Moncton 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.

Since Sept. 7, 76 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.