N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 3 deaths, 71 new cases, booster bookings open up for people 50 and older

New Brunswickers aged 50 or older can now book an appointment for a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine if six months have passed since their second dose, Public Health announced Monday as three more COVID-related deaths and 71 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed.

A person in their 60s in the Fredericton region, Zone 3, a person in their 70s and another in the 80s in the Saint John region, Zone 2, have all died as a result of COVID-19.

Their deaths raise the pandemic death toll to 136.

"Getting a booster shot helps protect those who are most vulnerable," Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said in a statement.

Eligibility has now been expanded to include those born in 1971 or before, including those turning 50 this year.

"Older people and others at higher risk of being hospitalized get extra protection when they get the booster," Shephard said. "And by others also getting the booster when they become eligible, the virus has less opportunity to take hold.

"We have seen evidence from other jurisdictions that an individual's risk of hospitalization can be reduced within seven days of receiving a booster dose."

Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, announced last Friday that the province would expand the availability of booster doses this week to include people in their 50s.

Eligibility will be expanded "in the coming weeks" to include people in their 40s, with other New Brunswickers following after, Public Health said.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is now "strongly recommending" that all Canadians over the age of 50 and other vulnerable individuals — such as health care workers, Indigenous people and those living in congregate care settings — get a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

In a report issued Friday, NACI — an independent body made up of volunteer vaccine experts — also calls on Canadians aged 18 to 49 to get a third mRNA shot at least six months after they got their second.

NACI said it's recommending booster shots now because emerging data suggests that protection against infection is decreasing over time for those who completed a two-dose vaccine regimen.

As of Monday, 82 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unchanged, and 87.5 per cent have now received their first dose, up from 87.3 per cent.

The province's goal is to get at least 90 per cent of the total population fully vaccinated.

According to the CBC vaccine tracker, 78 per cent of the total population is double-dosed, while 83.1 per cent have received at least one dose.

More than 8,500 children aged five to 11 have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, said Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane.

About 54,500 children in this age group are eligible.

Macfarlane did not say how many of them have been vaccinated since Nov. 26, when the province began using Pfizer-BioNTech's pediatric vaccine Comirnaty and how many were previously vaccinated with the regular dose because they will turn 12 before the end of the year and have been eligible since late August.

A limited amount of the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine Janssen is available to eligible New Brunswickers over 18 years of age by special appointment only, Public Health said.

To schedule an appointment for this vaccine, people should contact Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424 or email VNB@gnb.ca. A person needs only one dose of the Janssen vaccine to be considered fully immunized.

Appointments for booster shots for those eligible and for first and second doses can be scheduled for a regional health authority community COVID-19 vaccination clinic through the online booking system or at a participating pharmacy.

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

A detailed list of those eligible for a booster dose is available online.

Miramichi region has second-highest rate of cases in Canada

New Brunswick's Miramichi region, Zone 7, had the second-highest rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 of all health regions in the country in the 14 days leading up to Dec. 5, data from Health Canada shows.

The region had a rate of 421 per 100,000.

Nunavik led the country with a rate of 1,220.

The national average was 110.

Three other New Brunswick regions had rates higher than the national average. They include:

• Moncton region, Zone 1 — 147
• Saint John region, Zone 2 — 153
• Fredericton region, Zone 3 —162

The rates in the province's other health regions were:

• Edmundston region, Zone 4 — 12
• Campbellton region, Zone 5 — 95
• Bathurst region, Zone 6 — 25

Overall, New Brunswick had the fourth-highest rate in the country in the 14 days leading up to Dec. 3, at 138. Only the Yukon, Quebec and Manitoba were higher at 363, 166 and 139 respectively.

The national average was 104.

New Brunswick's rate of deaths was also among the highest in Canada in the 14 days leading up to Dec. 3, at 1.3 per 100,000.

It placed fourth after the Yukon, 4.7, Manitoba, 3.1, and Saskatchewan, 1.8.

The national average was 0.7.

For COVID-19 testing, New Brunswick's seven-day moving average per 100,000 residents for the seven days ending Dec. 1 was 191, putting it in eighth place across the country.

The seven-day moving average is the total of the daily numbers for the previous seven days, up to and including the day of the last update, divided by the number of days for which data is available. The moving averages are updated as provinces and territories submit more data.

As of Monday, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia ranked second and third respectively at 320 and 310. Quebec was first with 357.

The national average was 244.

New Brunswick's test positivity rate per 100,000, meanwhile, was second highest in the country. The moving average of percent positivity of COVID-19 in the seven days ending Dec. 1 was 4.9.

Only Manitoba was higher at 5.7. The national average was 3.2.

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island had among the lowest positivity rates at 1.2 and 0.4 respectively.

49 in hospital, 18 in ICU, 11 on ventilators

Forty-nine people are hospitalized with COVID-19 in New Brunswick, an increase of three, including 18 in intensive care, up two.

Eleven of them are on ventilators, also up two. The COVID-19 dashboard was updated Monday and now indicates the number of people on a ventilator.

Of those in hospital, 25 are over the age of 60 and one is under 19.

The seven-day average for hospitalizations is trending down from a week ago, while the number of cases in intensive care units remains "roughly the same," Public Health said in a news release accompanied by a chart.

Sixteen of the 49 people hospitalized were initially admitted for other reasons and contracted COVID-19 because of outbreaks at the Moncton Hospital, Saint John Regional Hospital and Miramichi Regional Hospital.

Most of these people are exhibiting "mild to moderate"symptoms of COVID-19, Public Health said.

As of Friday, the last update provided by the Horizon Health Network, 30 patients and seven staff have tested positive for COVID-19 in connection with the outbreaks on the Moncton Hospital's family medicine and palliative care unit, Unit 3600, rehabilitation unit, Unit 4400, stroke and family medicine unit, Unit 4600, and family practice and geriatric unit, Unit 5100. 

Outbreaks at the Saint John Regional Hospital's orthopedic surgery (3CS) and internal medicine (4CN) units stand at two, and one patient has tested positive in connection with the outbreak at the Miramichi Regional Hospital's intensive care unit and family practice unit (2 West).

No cases of the new, potentially more transmissible COVID-19 variant omicron have been confirmed in New Brunswick, Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane told CBC News on Monday.

He did not immediately respond to a question about whether there are any suspected cases of the new variant.

As of Sunday, 55 New Brunswick travellers, each of whom had been in one of the 10 countries affected by restrictions related to the new omicron variant, are in isolation to reduce possible spread of the virus — unchanged since the last update on Friday.

Macfarlane did not respond to a request for an update on how many travellers are isolating.

Asked which of the 10 countries they visited, he simply said, "one of the countries listed here: Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe."

He did not say when they will be released from isolation.

In addition to the 71 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed Monday, 60 more people have recovered, putting the active case count at 760, up from 752.

The COVID-19 dashboard has been updated to include a further breakdown of cases aged 19 and under, reflecting those aged 10-19 and those nine and under. "For consistency, these age categories will now be included in the regional breakdown of new cases," Public Health said in a news release.

Eleven of the 71 cases are children aged nine or under, the breakdown shows. Another 13 are aged 10-19.

The regional breakdown of the new cases includes:

Moncton region, Zone 1 — 13 cases:

• Four people nine or under
• Two people 10-19
• Two people 30-39
• A person 40-49
• Four people 50-59

Twelve of these cases are under investigation and the other is a contact of a previously known case.

Saint John region, Zone 2 — 16 cases:

• Two people nine or under
• Two people 10-19
• Three people 20-29
• Three people 30-39
• Three people 40-49
• A person 60-69
• Two people 70-79

Ten of these cases are contacts of previously known cases and six cases are under investigation.

Fredericton region, Zone 3 — 30 cases:

• Five people nine or under
• Five people 10-19
• Seven people 20-29
• Six people 30-39
• Two people 40-49
• Three people 60-69
• Two people 70-79

Twenty-four of these cases are under investigation and six cases are contacts of previously known cases.

Miramichi region, Zone 7 — 12 cases:

• Four people 10-19
• A person 30-39
• A person 40-49
• Four people 50-59
• A person 60-69
• A person 80-89

Six of these cases are under investigation and the other six are contacts of previously known cases.

New Brunswick has had 8,869 confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic and 7,972 recoveries so far.

A total of 568,385 tests have been conducted to date, including 1,193 on Sunday.

66 new cases in schools, 20 in child-care centres

Sixty-six new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in 31 schools and 20 in 13 child-care facilities since Friday, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's website shows.

At least one positive case has been confirmed at the following schools, which were not previously impacted:

• Caledonia Regional High School (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• Hazen-White-St. Francis School (Saint John region, Zone 2)
• Princess Elizabeth School (Saint John region, Zone 2)
• Quispamsis Middle School (Saint John region, Zone 2)
• Rothesay Elementary School (Saint John region, Zone 2)
• Rothesay Park School (Saint John region, Zone 2)
• École Les Éclaireurs (Fredericton region, Zone 3)
• Minto Elementary Middle School (Fredericton region, Zone 3)
• Priestman Street Elementary School (Fredericton region, Zone 3)
• École Mgr-Matthieu-Mazerolle (Edmundston region, Zone 4)
• Miramichi Valley High School (Miramichi region, Zone 7)

Other schools with new cases include:

• Causerie Amicale (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• Kingswood Academy 4 (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• Wee College Crandall (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• The Boys & Girls Club of Saint John After School (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• Sunny Days Family Centre Afterschool Program (Fredericton region, Zone 3)
• Youth In Action Day Care / Jeunes en action (Campbellton region, Zone 5)
• Garderie les Débrouillards(es) (Campbellton region, Zone 5)
• L'il Critters Early Learning and Care (Miramichi region, Zone 7)

The website does not indicate how many cases are at each school or whether the cases involve students, teachers or staff.

Fifty-one schools are currently affected.

Eleven schools have COVID-related operational days Monday, according to the department's website.

A total of 617 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in 163 schools since the beginning of the school year.

Newly impacted child-care centres with at least one new case include:

• Powerplay Academy Moncton 4 (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• Happy Clown After School Centre (Saint John region, Zone 2)
• Enrich Kids (Fredericton region, Zone 3)
• Garderie les Zamibulles Inc. (Edmundston region, Zone 4)
• Garderie Chateau Magique 2015 (Miramichi region, Zone 7)

Other child-care centres with at least one new case include:

• Causerie Amicale (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• Kingswood Academy 4 (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• Wee College Crandall (Moncton region, Zone 1)
• The Boys & Girls Club of Saint John After School (Saint John region, Zone 2)
• Sunny Days Family Centre Afterschool Program (Fredericton region, Zone 3)
• Garderie les Débrouillards(es) (Campbellton region, Zone 5)
• Youth In Action Day Care / Jeunes en action (Campbellton region, Zone 5)
• L'il Critters Early Learning and Care (Miramichi region, Zone 7)

The website does not indicate whether the cases involve a child, staff member or volunteer.

There have been 103 early learning and child-care centres affected by COVID-19 since Sept. 7. The total number of cases has not been released.

Possible exposures at St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University in Fredericton has had possible COVID-19 exposures in two classrooms and in the fitness centre, spokesperson Jeffrey Carleton confirmed Monday.

The possible exposures occurred last Tuesday, he said.

The university was advised by Public Health on Sunday evening and notified the entire campus community on Monday morning.

Asked whether the possible exposures are linked to the two confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the University of New Brunswick's Fredericton campus in the Joy Kidd residence, Carleton replied, "No, we haven't seen any indication of that."

About 50 people could have been exposed between the two classrooms, said Carleton.

"The advice from Public Health is, if you're fully vaccinated, you need to monitor for any symptoms until Dec. 13 and then if any symptoms develop, to then register and book a [polymerase chain reaction, or PCR lab] test online or through 811."

No rapid testing is required, but rapid tests are available on campus if any students decide they want to take them, he said.

No isolation is required either, even while someone with symptoms is awaiting PCR test results, Carleton said.

He noted about 99 per cent of students, faculty and staff who go to campus have provided proof they are fully vaccinated.

"We know that's very helpful for STU and very helpful for our community."

STU announced in August it was making vaccination mandatory, effective Oct. 15.

Carleton could not say whether anyone unvaccinated or partially vaccinated might have been exposed, but if they were, Public Health's advice to them is to book a COVID test and then self-monitor for symptoms. Again, no isolation is required, he said.

No impact on operations is anticipated. About 65 per cent of classes are held in-person.

STU requires masking in all indoor spaces, physical distancing in classrooms and continues to promote regular handwashing.

"The last day of classes [in the fall term] is later this week, so it's disappointing to see these exposures," said Carleton. "But we certainly see what's happening outside in society, in other parts of the province."

Still 2 cases at UNB Fredericton

There are still two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton campus in the Joy-Kidd residence, spokesperson Heather Campbell told CBC News Monday.

The university advised students of the two positive cases last Thursday.

By Friday evening, students were advised of the following possible exposures on campus, an internal email shows:

• Student Union Building on Nov. 22 and 24 and on Nov. 30 between 10 a.m. and noon
• McConnell Dining Hall Nov. 26-30
• Head Hall and Collaboration Space, Nov. 29-30

All students who live in residence have been encouraged to get a rapid COVID-19 test "as soon as possible," and anyone who begins to exhibit symptoms is urged to book a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, lab test, Angela Garnett, senior director of residence, said in the email.

"When we are notified about a symptomatic student or a close contact of a symptomatic student, we will do an individual risk assessment following Public Health's advice and determine the best course of action for that student that may include requesting they take a rapid test, a PCR test, or possibly that they go into an isolation suite in residence," she wrote. "Regardless of the advice, we will provide you with support and assistance to help you navigate next steps."

All students who live in residence should be in close contact with no more than five people without masks, said Garnett. "Please try to eat beside the same [five] students in the dining hall."

We are being as proactive as possible.- Angela Garnett, UNB Fredericton

Students should also keep track of their social contacts and places they have gone, such as restaurants, she said.

In addition, all residence common spaces, such as lounges, have been closed to all students until further notice, all residence events are postponed until further notice, no guests are allowed in any residence building and residence students should not enter any residence house other than their own until further notice.

These measures are to  "allow Public Health to do contact tracing and to ensure we are being as proactive as possible," Garnett said.

The Joy-Kidd residence has a vaccination rate of 100 per cent, according to Campbell, while the vaccination rate on the campus overall is 96.7 per cent.

"Public Health has been in contact with individuals that may have been potentially exposed and has provided instructions for testing, self-monitoring and self-isolation," she said in an emailed statement.

She did not say how many people are self-isolating as a result of the two cases, but did say close contacts who live in student residences who are required to self-isolate are doing so in dedicated spaces on campus.

One of the 13 residence buildings has been reserved this year to allow students to safely isolate from others during an exposure on campus or upon arrival in Canada.

UNB is working to support the isolating students, said Campbell.

"Instructors are adapting course material, meals are delivered to individuals isolating on campus and members of the UNB community check-in with students throughout the self-isolation period to make sure they are isolating safely and to monitor their physical and mental health concerns," she wrote.

No changes to operations, such as classroom management or course delivery, are anticipated.

UNB has "extremely high compliance" with its testing policy, Campbell added.

Public exposure notices

The province listed numerous exposure notices on Monday, including an emergency department, mall and community centre in the Moncton region, Zone 1, an arena, bus route, theatre and church in the Saint John region, Zone 2, emergency department and ambulatory care waiting rooms in the Edmundston region, Zone 4, a restaurant in the Campbellton region, Zone 5, and an inn in the Miramichi region, Zone 7.

For the full list of public exposure notices, visit the provincial government's website.

People who have not been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to a possible exposure and who have symptoms should get a COVID lab test. They can book an appointment online or call Tele-Care 811 and must isolate while waiting for their test result.

People who are not fully vaccinated and do not have symptoms are now being instructed to pick up an At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Point of Care Test (Rapid POCT) screening kit. They do not need to isolate if they have not been directed by Public Health to do so.

All positive point-of-care test results must be confirmed with a laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test.

It can take up to 14 days to test positive after being exposed to COVID-19, so even if results come back negative, people should continue to self-monitor for any symptoms and get tested immediately if any develop.

They should also avoid visiting settings with vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes, correctional facilities and shelters during that 14-day period.

For people who have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to a possible exposure, Public Health recommends they monitor for symptoms for 14 days after the possible exposure and get a COVID lab test if symptoms develop.

They do not need to isolate while they wait for their test results.

If they do not have symptoms, they can pick up a rapid test kit and do not need to isolate.

What to do if you have a symptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 can take a self-assessment test online.

Public Health says symptoms of the illness have included a fever above 38 C, a new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, a new onset of fatigue and difficulty breathing.

In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.

People with one of those symptoms should stay at home, call 811 or their doctor and follow instructions.