MIRAMICHI (GNB) – Pauline Gauvin of Miramichi became the first New Brunswicker to receive the COVID-19 vaccination in the province today.

The 84-year-old resident of Shannex Losier Hall received the vaccine at a clinic held at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. During the clinic, scheduled to take place today and Sunday, 1,950 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be administered to individuals from priority groups identified in the provincial government’s vaccination plan.

“Today marks a significant step forward for our province, but it is only the first step,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “We have every reason to feel hopeful, but the vaccine roll-out is just beginning and the pandemic is not over. We have been so successful to date, so I strongly encourage New Brunswickers to continue to be patient and follow the advice of Public Health.”

Registered nurse Nicolette Noel of Miramichi is the first New Brunswick nurse to receive the vaccine. Dr. Carl Boucher of Caraquet, a family physician and emergency room physician at Caraquet’s l’Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus RHSJ, is the first New Brunswick physician to receive the vaccine.

Joël LeFort, of Moncton, is the first paramedic and Mandy Whalen, of Dieppe, is the first Extra-Mural program registered nurse to get the vaccine in the province.

This milestone event officially launches our vaccine implementation plan to keep New Brunswickers safe, said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.

“As we vaccinate priority group members over the coming weeks, I am encouraging everyone to be patient and please continue to follow the public health measures such keeping your contacts low, wear a mask when required, practise physical distancing and wash your hands frequently to keep everyone safe and healthy, especially during the holiday season.”

Five new cases of COVID-19

Public Health is reporting five new case of COVID-19 today.

The cases are as follows:

  • an individual 70 to 79 in Zone 1 (Moncton region);
  • an individual 30 to 39 in Zone 2 (Saint John region);
  • an individual 60 to 69 in Zone 2 (Saint John region);
  • an individual 40 to 49 in Zone 4 (Edmundston region); and
  • an individual 20 to 29 in Zone 6 (Bathurst region).
  • All cases are self-isolating and under investigation.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 578 and 520 have recovered. There have been eight deaths. The number of active cases is 49. Three patients are hospitalized of which one is in intensive care. As of today, 145,419 tests have been conducted.

Zone 4 remains Orange

Zone 4 (Edmundston region) remains at the Orange level under the province’s COVID-19 recovery plan. Orange level rules are available online. Residents are reminded that among the rules at the Orange level are to stick to a one household bubble, maintain two metres of distancing and wear a mask while in indoor and outdoor public spaces.

All other zones in New Brunswick remain at the Yellow level. During this time, Public Health measures and guidelines must still be followed.

To find out the boundaries of each health zone, see the map available at:

 

19-12-20