No new cases of COVID-19, still 6 active cases

No new cases of COVID-19 were reported in New Brunswick on Friday, according to the government's COVID-19 dashboard. 

There are six active cases in the province, all temporary foreign workers who arrived in Moncton and immediately went into self-isolation.

Two of the cases, announced on Thursday, involve an individual between 40 and 49 and an individual between 50 and 59.

One of those individuals might have been infectious while travelling to New Brunswick, Public Health advised in a news release. Those flights are: 

• Air Canada flight 8918 – Toronto to Moncton on July 25
• Air Canada flight 1231 – Cancun to Toronto on July 24

Anyone who was on those flights should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for up to 14 days after the flights, Public Health said. A person who develops symptoms should self-isolate and call Tele-Care 811, Public Health said.

The four original positive cases, reported on Wednesday, are individuals from Mexico, who are all in their 30s.

They had been destined for the Miramichi region but on Day 10 of their required 14-day quarantine, they tested positive for the respiratory disease, Public Health said.

All six cases are listed as being in the Moncton region, or health Zone 1.

Before Wednesday, no new cases of COVID-19 had been reported in New Brunswick for 15 days and the province had logged two days with no active cases.

All six foreign workers must continue to self-isolate until they're cleared by Public Health.

Plaster Rock closes office, facilities

The Village of Plaster Rock closed its municipal office and all of its facilities Thursday as a precaution because of a possible exposure to COVID-19.

"It has come to our attention that we may have been in contact with an individual awaiting COVID 19 results," the Village posted on its website and on social media.

Mayor Alexis Fenner told CBC News someone who works in the village may have had second- or third-hand contact with a COVID-positive case.

"They actually spoke to us about it. So to be on the safe side, they're having tests done and in the meanwhile, we have shut everything down as a precautionary measure to safeguard the health of the population of our community and the surrounding areas," she said.

The village office, fitness centre, pool, welcome centre, tennis courts and campground will remain closed until the individual's test result comes back, likely on Saturday, said Fenner.

"At the moment there's no reason to get upset," she said, adding "it's only remotely possible" the test result will be positive.

If it is, "we'll cross the bridge when we get the results," she said.

If it comes back negative, it will be "business as usual."

The regional Public Health office is looking into the matter, said Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane.

Guidance for employers on these types of matters can be found on the government's COVID-19 website and on WorkSafeNB website's frequently-asked questions section, he said.

"The advice touches on what an employer should do if an employee has been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19, if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 and may have been in the workplace interacting with co-workers before the diagnosis was confirmed and whether an employee who has had contact with someone being tested for COVID-19 needs to self-isolate."

The province has recorded 176 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March. Two people have died and 168 have recovered.

On Thursday, 282 tests were done for COVID-19. As of Thursday, a total of 54281 tests have been conducted since the pandemic started.

What to do if you have a symptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca. 

Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing. In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.

People with one of those symptoms are asked to:

• Stay at home.

• Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.

• Describe symptoms and travel history.

• Follow instructions.