News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health reported 27 new cases of COVID-19 today.

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

• an individual 19 and under;

• an individual 20-29;

• three people 30-39;

• an individual 50-59; and

• an individual 60-69.

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

• two people 19 and under;

• an individual 40-49; and

• an individual 90-99.

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

• an individual 40-49;

• an individual 60-69; and

• two people 70-79.

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

• an individual 19 and under;

• an individual 20-29;

• an individual 30-39;

• an individual 40-49;

• two people 50-59; and

• an individual 60-69

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

• an individual 19 and under;

• an individual 20-29; and

• an individual 50-59.

The two case in Zone 6 (Bathurst region) is as follows:

• two people 20-29.

All cases are self-isolating and under investigation.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 911 and 631 have recovered. There have been 12 deaths, and the number of active cases is 267. Three patients are hospitalized. As of today, 170,985 tests have been conducted.

“We are at a critical point in this outbreak,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “We need the co-operation of all New Brunswickers to help us reduce the spread of the virus. If you are feeling unwell; get tested. If you have been contacted by Public Health; give them the information they need. We need to come together now, to get through this together.”

Exposure notification

Public Health follows a standard process when addressing instances where the public may have been exposed to a case of COVID-19. In cases where record-keeping is able to identify anyone who may have been exposed, officials contact these individuals directly and do not issue a separate announcement. In cases where officials cannot be certain of exactly who may have been exposed to the virus in a given location, Public Health issues an announcement to alert those who could have been affected and provides instructions.

On Jan. 16, Public Health identified a positive case in a traveler who may have been infectious on Dec. 31 while on the following flight:

• Air Canada Flight 8910 – from Toronto to Moncton departed at 11:23 a.m.

Enforcement and compliance

Earlier this week, enforcement personnel visited 172 sites and found that 99.4 per cent of all patrons were wearing masks, however, only 88.9 per cent of employees were wearing masks. Warnings were issued for any violations found and follow-up visits were conducted. In cases where compliance was not adequate, cease work orders were issued.

In the future, if enforcement personnel find businesses with inadequate operational plans or with no plan at all, they will be issuing fines and/or cease work orders. Businesses that fail to follow the rules could be fined up to $10,000.