FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health reports 23 new cases of COVID-19 today.

23 new cases

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

  • one individual under the age of 19;
  • one individual aged 20-29;
  • three people aged 30-39; and
  • one individual aged 60-69.

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

  • two people under 19;
  • three people 20 to 29;
  • one individual 30 to 39;
  • five people 40 to 49;
  • two people 50 to 59;
  • one individual 60 to 69; and
  • two people 80 to 89.

One case in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) is an individual 30 to 39.

All cases are self-isolating and under investigation.

“What is happening in our province, with the rapidly rising number of active cases, shows just how fragile our bubble is,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “This is a critical time for our province, but we can still turn this around. We need everyone – employers, businesses and residents alike – to do what is right for themselves and everyone.”

“We know most are complying in public places, but some are letting their guard down – and that is leading to the situation we are in, but it’s not too late,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “We know what we need to do in order to turn this around.”

“We are facing a serious situation with the renewed transmission of the virus in New Brunswick,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Our situation will quickly turn grave if we do not take immediate actions to slow the spread of the disease.”

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 424 and 347 have recovered. There have been six deaths, and the number of active cases is 71 with one hospitalized case. As of today, 115,234 tests have been conducted.

Outbreak at a nursing home

Public Health declared an outbreak on Friday at Shannex Tucker Hall, a nursing home in Saint John.

Yesterday, 421 tests were conducted at the Parkland Shannex campus. As of 9:30 a.m. this morning 106 tests have been processed from Tucker Hall, with three new positives in that area, for a total of four confirmed cases to date in this facility.

The microbiology lab continues to process the remaining tests today.

Exposure notifications

Today, Public Health has identified a positive case in a traveller who may have been infectious on Nov. 07 while on the following flights:

  • Air Canada Flight 0992 – from Mexico City to Toronto arrived at 7:20 p.m.
  • Air Canada Flight 8918 – from Toronto to Moncton arrived at 11:43 p.m.

There is a process Public Health follows when addressing instances where the public may have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. In cases where record-keeping is able to confirm and 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, Public Health issues a public announcement in an effort to reach anyone who could have been affected.

Collection of Contact Information

Controlled venues at which seating is offered for the purposes of eating, drinking, socialization, celebration, ceremony or entertainment are required to maintain a record of the names and contact information and the time of all persons who attend.

Keep information in a secure place and not in the public view. More information can be found in Collection of names and contact information under the Mandatory Order COVID-19. A form businesses can print off to assist them can also be found there.

Enforcement

Police officers as well as peace officers and Public Health inspectors with the Department of Justice and Public Safety and inspectors with WorkSafe New Brunswick are located throughout the province to make sure the rules are being followed. People who refuse to comply with provisions of the mandatory order can face penalties.