New Brunswick reports the 17th COVID-19-related death, 16 new cases.Turns to orange level

Halifax-New Brunswick reported the 17th COVID-19-related death involving residents of a care facility in Edmundston.

One death was reported on Friday, involving a person in his 80s who died Thursday and was a resident of Manoir Belle Vue, a care facility in Edmundston, New Brunswick.

“On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the deceased’s loved ones,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, Chief Health Officer. “Know that we are all grieving with you for this tragic loss.”

A total of 17 people have died in the state in connection with COVID-19, and two have been reported dead on Wednesday.

The New Brunswick Public Health Service also reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, but the number of active cases remains 313, so the previously reported 16 cases are now resolved. It is considered done.

Friday’s new cases include:

• Four new cases have been reported in the Moncton region (Zone 1).

• Two new cases have been reported in the Fredericton region (Zone 3)

• Nine new cases have been reported in the Edmundston region (Zone 4)

• One new case reported in Bathurst area (Zone 6)

All cases are self-isolating and under investigation.

Concerns about new variants

Russell said a new variant of COVID-19 was the cause of concern.

“We are currently concerned about four things in particular, and there will be more,” Russell said. “We have a British variant that has been in the UK since December. It passed across the country within 6 weeks. There are African variants and community infections that are currently in circulation in BC. The British variant is in Ontario, and there are also community infections of it, which are far more contagious, more contagious, and far more infected, so this is the challenge we are currently facing. is.”

According to Russell, New Brunswick experienced the first wave of an “intact” pandemic, but the second wave didn’t work.

“We’re there,” Russell said. “Currently, the zoning blockade is taking place in another zone, shown in red. But now we can say that we are in the middle of the second wave. But the third wave is coming soon and the second wave. The 3 waves are quite a lot. Worse than the combination of the 1st and 2nd waves. This 3rd wave is the result of these new, more contagious, more contagious variants, or streams. . “

According to Russell, new variants arrive in the state unknowingly and are highly contagious, so they spread rapidly before they are detected.

“It will spread faster,” Russell said. “It goes beyond our ability to contact traces and isolate these (people). We are caused by these variants and strains that are much more serious, much more dangerous, and much more difficult. Strategies need to be adapted to address these new hazards. “

Change to orange phase

During a Friday news update, Russell confirmed that the state’s six zones would remain at the orange level for “a few more weeks,” but changes will be made.

“No region of the state can exceed orange levels until we have a clear understanding of the effects of these variants,” Russell said.

Health Minister Dorothy Shepherd said the Cabinet has been advised on public health and has not moved any zones yellow.

“For now, the risk is simply too high,” Shepherd said. “Even in zones 5, 6 and 7 where the number of cases is small.”

Residents of the orange phase can interact with the household bubble and the other 10 as long as they are in a “stable group of 10”. This means consistent and close contact outside the household bubble.

“Please reduce the number of contacts,” Shepherd said. “I know changing rules can be frustrating and difficult to catch up with. We strive to stay one step ahead of COVID-19, so we want everyone to stay adapted. I am. “

According to Russell, public health has left Zone 5 (Campbellton), Zone 6 (Bassert) and Zone 7 (Miramichi) at orange levels, with new COVID-19 such as those identified in the United Kingdom. Recommended to prevent variants. From the invasion of New Brunswick, South Africa.

“Early data suggest that these new variants may be more contagious, so the precautions now needed to reduce infection of the virus and its variants in our community. It’s important to take steps, “Russell said.

COVID-19 data

Friday’s new case has increased the number of cases confirmed in New Brunswick to 1,218 since the pandemic began. More than half of all cases in the state were identified in January, with a total of 619 cases reported by this month.

Public health said in news release Four patients are hospitalized in two intensive care units.

Case numbers are categorized into seven health zones in New Brunswick.

• Zone 1 – Moncton Area: 299 confirmed cases (74 active cases)

• Zone 2 – St. John Region: 217 confirmed cases (33 active cases)

• Zone 3 – Fredericton Region: 231 confirmed cases (33 active cases)

• Zone 4 – Edmundston Region: 257 confirmed cases (157 active cases)

• Zone 5 – Campbellton Region: 182 confirmed cases (7 active cases)

• Zone 6 – Bathurst Region: 24 confirmed cases (7 active cases)

• Zone 7 – Miramichi Area: 8 confirmed cases (2 active cases)

Red and orange level rules / blockade

Zone 1 (Moncton area) Red level Zone 4 (Edmanston area) Blockade..All other zones Orange level..

Latest information on vaccines

by New Brunswick COVID-19 DashboardThe state received 14,257 COVID-19 vaccines as of January 25. Of these, 2,839 received the second vaccination.

The state has received a total of 21,675 vaccinations as of January 25, and holds 7,418 reserves for the second vaccination and the planned clinic.

Vehicle traffic information

New Brunswick Online dashboard Contains information about vehicle traffic trying to enter the state.

On Thursday, 1,239 private and 1,391 commercial vehicles attempted to cross the border into the state.

Of the vehicles trying to cross the border, 13 were denied entry. The rejection rate was 0.5%.