News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health has confirmed that a person 80-89 in Zone 1 (Moncton region) has died as a result of COVID-19. This brings the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the province to 108.

“Today we learned that another person has died because of the virus,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “This sad news reminds us not only why restrictions are in place. Following the rules and getting vaccinated is how we will keep our province safe.”

“The loss of one more New Brunswicker to COVID-19 is not news any of us wants to hear,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “This fourth wave has been hard for our province, but by working together we will get through this.”

Public Health reported 51 new cases of COVID-19 today and 112 recoveries. There are 627 active cases.

Of the new cases, 25 – or 49 per cent – are unvaccinated, 10 – or 20 per cent – are partially vaccinated, and 16 – or 31 per cent – are fully vaccinated.

Majority of cases in ICU remain unvaccinated

Of the 41 people hospitalized due to the virus, 23 are unvaccinated, two are partially vaccinated and 16 are fully vaccinated. There is currently no one 19 and under in the hospital. There are 11 people in an intensive care unit, 10 of whom are unvaccinated and one of whom are partially vaccinated.

Rapid screening kit pickup program expands

Beginning tomorrow, Monday. Oct 25, mobile rapid screening kit pickup sites will open to provide New Brunswickers greater access.

As a way to provide New Brunswickers with easier access to rapid screening tests, 20 additional mobile sites have been identified across the province by Horizon Health Network. Each mobile site will be open one day a week from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

A full list of Vitalite Health Network’s 16 already available sites can be found here.

The tests are designed for people two and older. Most kits have five tests to be used over a 10-day period. People 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult to acquire a kit.

All locations will be open during their scheduled hours or until the daily supply has been given out. New supplies of test kits will continue to be delivered to the pickup locations throughout the week.

Anyone who has been directed by Public Health to isolate is not permitted to leave isolation if they receive a negative result from a rapid-test kit.

Circuit breaker reminder

The circuit breaker that has been in effect in certain areas of the province since Friday, Oct. 8, has been extended for at least seven more days, until Public Health determines the situation is more stable.

These areas are Zone 1 (Moncton region) as far north as and including Sainte-Anne-de-Kent and including Havelock in Zone 2; the northern portion of Zone 3 from and including Deerville and Florenceville-Bristol, but excluding Hayesville and Parker Ridge; and all of Zone 4 (Edmundston region).

As well, Zone 5 (Campbellton region) entered a 14-day circuit breaker on Friday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. to address the high number of COVID-19 transmissions in the region.

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

Vaccination update

Public Health reported today that 83.7 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 92.1 per cent have received their first dose of a vaccine.

If you have not yet had your first or second dose, you are asked to go to a walk-in clinic or book an appointment through a participating pharmacy or at a Vitalité or Horizon health network clinic as soon as possible.

All eligible New Brunswickers can book their second-dose appointments for a date that is at least 28 days after their first dose.

Those attending a vaccination clinic are asked to bring their Medicare card, a signed consent form and, for those receiving their second dose, a copy of the record of immunization provided after receiving their first dose.

A list of upcoming mobile and walk-in clinics is available online.

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.

Appointments 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. Health-care workers and residents of First Nations communities must bring their proof of vaccination, i.e. immunization record, to their appointment.

Regional breakdown of new cases

The 14 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:

·         Eight people 19 and under;

·         Four people 30-39;

·         A person 40-49; and;

·         A person 60-69.

All 14 cases are under investigation.

The 16 new cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:

·         Eight people 19 and under;

·         Two people 20-29;

·         Three people 30-39;

·         Two people 50-59; and;

·         A person 60-69.

All 16 cases are under investigation.

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

·         A person 20-29;

·         A person 30-39;

·         Two people 50-59; and;

·         Three people 60-69.

All seven cases are under investigation.

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

·         A person 20-29;

·         A person 40-49;

·         A person 50-59; and;

·         A person 60-69.

All four cases are under investigation.

The eight new cases in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) are as follows;

·         A person 20-29;

·         Two people 40-49;

·         Two people 50-59;

·         A person 60-69;

·         A person 70-79; and;

·         A person 80-89.

All eight cases are under investigation.

The one case in Zone 6 (Bathurst region) is a person 20-29. This case is under investigation.

The one case in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) is a person 20-29. This case is under investigation.

Additional information is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

Potential public exposures

Anyone with symptoms of the virus, as well as anyone who has been at the site of a possible public exposure, is urged to request a test online to get an appointment.

A map of potential public exposures can also be found on the COVID-19 dashboard.