News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Zone 4 is moving to Red level at midnight although schools in that region will remain open. Public Health reported 36 new cases of COVID-19 today.

“We have seen what has happened in other jurisdictions when the increase in active cases is not dealt with quickly and decisively,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “We don’t want that to happen here, but if we are going to avoid it we must do our part.”

Higgs reminded residents that the other six Health Zones in the province remain at the Orange level under the province’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

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

• two people 19 and under;

• an individual 20-29;

• an individual 40-49; and

• an individual 70-79.

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

• an individual 19 and under;

• an individual 20-29; and

• two people 40-49.

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

• two people 20-29.

The 24 cases in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) are as follows:

• three people 19 and under;

• three people 30-39;

• four people 40-49;

• ten people 50-59; and

• four people 60-69.

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

• an individual 20-29.

All cases are self-isolating and under investigation.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 947 and 642 have recovered. There have been 12 deaths, and the number of active cases is 292. One patient is hospitalized. As of today, 172,708 tests have been conducted.

“We are responding to limit the severity of this outbreak, but to bring this under control we need every New Brunswicker to contribute,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical office of health. “If you have to go out to obtain food and other essentials, keep your outings brief and return home as soon as you can.”

Schools to remain open in Zone 4

A change has been made which keeps K-12 schools open even at the Red level. This will be done with enhanced health and safety measures including:

• Students and staff stay home if they have even one symptom of COVID-19.

• School staff are actively screened for COVID-19 when they report to work each day.

• If a positive case of COVID-19 is confirmed at a school in the Red level, the school will be closed for a minimum of three days to allow for contact tracing. The school would also become a testing site for school staff.

“When students are at school, they are in a supervised environment with strict health and safety protocols in place,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “Their social needs can be met, while maintaining physical distancing, using masks, and being encouraged to maintain proper hygiene. That is why, with the support and recommendations of Public Health, we have made changes to our Return to School plan ensuring schools can stay open during the red phase.”

Other schools impacted

Meanwhile positive cases have been confirmed in schools in Zones 1 and 2.

Regarding all cases identified at schools, if you or a family member have been in close contact with a case, you will be notified by Public Health for contact tracing. If you do not hear directly from Public Health, you have not been identified as a close contact.

Zone 2 (Saint John region) - A positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Millidgeville North School in Saint John. Another positive case was confirmed at Belleisle Elementary School in Springfield. Both school communities have been notified and the schools will be open on Monday, Jan. 18. Unless advised by Public Health, students should return to school.

Zone 1 (Moncton region) - A positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Riverview East School in Riverview and the school community has been notified. School staff will contact families directly to inform them of any impact on learning.

A positive case of COVID-19 was also confirmed at Caledonia Regional High School in Hillsborough and the school community has been notified. School staff will contact families directly to inform them of any impact on learning. All students and staff at this school have been asked to stay home as contact tracing is carried out today.