N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 43rd death reported, 8 new cases

New Brunswick reported a 43rd COVID-related death Wednesday and eight new confirmed cases.

The province also announced increased screening of travel between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, effective immediately, and warned of possible delays.

A person over the age of 90 in the Bathurst region, Zone 6, has died "as a result of COVID-19," Public Health said in a news release.

The person was not a resident of a long-term care home, said Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane.

He did not respond immediately to questions about whether the person had received any COVID vaccines.

Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said she is saddened by the news of another loss of life.

"On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this individual," she said in a statement.

"Each loss experienced in our province due to COVID-19 is tragic," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell."

There are now 116 active cases of the respiratory disease.

Seven people with COVID are in hospital in New Brunswick, including three in an intensive care unit. Another four people are hospitalized out of province, with one in an intensive care unit. 

The breakdown of the new cases is as follows:

Saint John region, Zone 2: one case:

• A person 50-59

The case is travel-related and the individual is out of the province.

Fredericton region, Zone 3: six cases:

• Two people 19 or under
• A person 20-29
• Two people 40-49
• A person 70-79

Five of the six cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and the other one is travel-related.

Edmundston region, Zone 4: one case:

• A person 50-59

This case is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

New Brunswick has had 2,091 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, with 1,931 recoveries.

A total 318,290 COVID tests have been conducted, including 1,791 on Tuesday.

As of Wednesday, 339,385 New Brunswickers have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. That's 48.9 per cent of the eligible population, aged 12 or older.

Travel between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

Motorists travelling between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia at Sackville-Amherst and at Baie-Verte-Tidnish Road may notice increased screening, Public Health announced Wednesday.

To avoid disruptions, travellers entering New Brunswick need an approved travel registration and supporting documentation.

Travel between the provinces is currently restricted. People are encouraged to check the travel restrictions that apply to their destination before they leave to ensure they are permitted to travel.

Frequent travellers between the two provinces may be eligible for a special pass to expedite travel during peak traffic periods, according to a news release. More information is available online.

Delta Fredericton COVID 'cluster' jumps to 36

The "cluster" of COVID-19 cases linked to the former isolation hotel Delta Fredericton has jumped to 36, says the Department of Health.

There are 10 "direct" cases and 26 contacts in the community and "contacts of contacts," spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane confirmed Wednesday.

This includes one positive case at the Hilton Garden Inn, which prompted 14 members of the legislature to self-isolate this week until they could be tested, and forced the legislature into its first-ever hybrid-virtual regular sitting, he confirmed.

The growing cluster has forced staff and their households into isolation and prompted numerous public exposure notifications, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell said Tuesday.

The Fredericton region, Zone 3, is also struggling with an outbreak at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation and Veterans Health Unit, positive cases at four schools and a child-care facility.

About 1,900 people are self-isolating, as of Wednesday, said Macfarlane. That includes 51 confirmed cases, roughly 450 contacts and approximately 1,400 contacts of contacts, he said.

With at least two COVID variants now circulating in the region, Public Health is monitoring the situation closely and assessing whether moving to a stricter COVID alert level is necessary to slow the spread.

The Delta cluster and previous outbreak at the University of New Brunswick Magee House outbreak have involved the highly contagious variant of concern first reported in India. On Tuesday, Russell said another, "different" variant had also been detected in the travel-related cases in the region. Macfarlane said Wednesday she was referring to the U.K. variant.

Public Health has not said whether an employee, isolating guest or regular guest has been identified as the index case at the Delta.

Education minister prepared to close schools if more cases emerge

With four Fredericton-area schools now closed because of COVID-19, New Brunswick Education Minister Dominic Cardy says he's prepared to close all schools in the area if more cases show up.

Cardy said Wednesday that he will wait for the advice of Public Health.

"It really is going to depend on what happens in the next 24 hours," he said in an interview with Information Morning Fredericton. 

The Fredericton Christian Academy is the fourth school to have to stay closed for three days, according to an email sent to school families.

The closure starting Wednesday affects students in kindergarten through Grade 12 as well as an early childhood learning centre.

Students and families of the Fredericton Christian Academy have been asked to self-isolate at home.

Three other Fredericton-area schools closed earlier: Leo Hayes High School, where three cases were reported, New Maryland Elementary School, which has one, and Nashwaaksis Middle School, also with one.

Students at those three schools are learning from home as Public Health continues contact tracing. 

Cardy said discussions will be happening on Wednesday in cabinet. Cardy said he expects to know more within the next day and a half, following directions from New Brunswick Public Health.

"Hopefully, we'll see case numbers today staying steady or going down." 

With COVID vaccine eligibility now opened up to include people 18 or older, Public Health expects at least 50 per cent of the population will have received at least one dose by the end of the week.

"We're in a race against time here getting vaccines into people's arms," he said.

Cardy said young people 12 or up will also be eligible to get their vaccine in the next few days.

"This is offering a pretty bright light towards a pretty dark tunnel," he said.

Atlantic COVID roundup

Nova Scotia reported 83 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday and two more deaths. The province has 1,262 active cases.

Newfoundland and Labrador confirmed three new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 78 active cases as the province closes in on 50 per cent vaccination of eligible residents with at least one dose.

Prince Edward Island has five new cases, three of them adults linked to a Charlottetown daycare staff member. The province has 14 active cases.

New public exposures

Public Health has identified a potential public exposure to the coronavirus at the following locations and dates in the Fredericton region:

• Irving Big Stop Blue Canoe restaurant, 415 Nevers Rd., Waasis, on May 14, between 10:30 a.m. and noon.
• Pizza Delight, 243 St. Mary's St., Fredericton, on May 14, between noon and 2 p.m.

Public Health is offering COVID-19 testing to anyone who has been in a public exposure area, even it they're not experiencing any symptoms. Residents may request a test online or call Tele-Care 811 to book an appointment.

People experiencing one or more symptom are also encouraged to get tested.

Previous public exposures

Fredericton:

• Tony Pepperoni, 510 Brookside Dr., on May 11, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• The Drome, 301 Main St., on May 11, between 8:45 p.m. and 11 p.m.
• NB Power, 515 King St., on May 12, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Sobeys Fast Fuel, 530 Brookside Dr., on May 12, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Costco, 25 Wayne Squibb Blvd., on May 12, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and May 13, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Giant Tiger, 1160 Smythe St., on May 13, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Scholten's, 325 Sunset Dr., on May 13, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• McMath Law Office, 406 Regent St., on May 14, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
• Fredericton Mitsubishi, 327 St. Mary's St., on May 14, between 10:45 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• The Abbey Café, 546 Queen St., on May 14, between noon and 12:30 p.m.
• Scotiabank, 490 King St., on May 14, between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Sobeys, 1180 Prospect St., on May 14, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Cannon's Cross Pub, 15 Riverside Dr., on May 14, between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, 665 George St., on May 15 between 10 a.m. and noon
• Moores Clothing, 1150 Prospect St., on May 15, between 11 a.m. and noon.
• Home Depot, 1450 Regent St., on May 15, between noon and 1 p.m.
• Montana's, 6 Trinity Ave., on May 2, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Wolastoq Wharf, 527 Union St., on May 9, between noon and 2:30 p.m.
• McDonald's Restaurant, 1177 Prospect St., on May 14, between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
• Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and the Pickle Jar Restaurant, 620 Queen St., from May 11 to May 16

Harvey:

• Kubbyhole Craft Shop, 1879 Route 3, on May 7, between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Nackawic:

• Cal's Independent Grocer, 135 Otis Dr., on May 14, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Public Health has identified a potential public exposure to the virus at the following location and date in Edmundston:

• Jean Coutu, 177 Victoria St., on May 15, between noon and 1 p.m.

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

• Air Canada Flight 314 – from Vancouver to Montreal, departed at 11:24 p.m. on May 11.
• Air Canada Flight 8902 – from Montreal to Moncton, departed at 1:06 p.m. on May 12.

The province has also listed another flight with a passenger who has tested positive for COVID-19 on May 7.

• Air Canada Flight 318 – from Calgary to Montreal, departed at 11 a.m.

Other exposure notifications

Public Health has identified a positive case in a traveller who may have been infectious on May 6 while on the following flights:

• Air Canada Flight 396 – from Edmonton to Toronto, departed at 6:50 a.m.
• Air Canada Flight 8898 – from Toronto to Moncton, departed at 8:43 p.m.

Public Health has identified a positive case in a traveller who may have been infectious on May 10 while on the following flight.

• Air Canada Flight 8946 from Toronto to Moncton, departed at 8:47 p.m.

Public Health has identified a potential public exposure to the coronavirus at the following locations and dates in the following regions:

Moncton region:

• Pumphouse, 5 Orange Ln., Moncton, on May 4 between 8 and 10 p.m.
• Staples, 233 Main St., Moncton, on May 5, between noon and 8 p.m.
• Walmart Supercentre, 477 Paul St., Dieppe, on May 6, between 7 and 10 p.m.
• Greco Pizza, 311 Acadie Blvd., Dieppe, on May 7, between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Greco Pizza, 120 Killam Dr., Moncton, on May 5, between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m., May 3, between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m., and May 2, between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m.
• Greco Pizza, 311 Acadie Blvd., Dieppe, on May 4, between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre emergency department, 330 Université Ave., Moncton, on May 7, between 2-9:30 p.m., and May 6, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Saint John region:

• Foodland, 1 Market Sq., Quispamsis, on May 3, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Circle K, 309 River Valley Dr., Grand Bay-Westfield, between 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 7, and 1 a.m. on Saturday, May 8.

Fredericton region:

• My Home Consignment, 5 Acorn St., Fredericton — May 8 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., May 7 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., May 6 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and May 5 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Sobeys, 1180 Prospect St., Fredericton, — May 8 between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Lunar Rogue, 625 King Ave., Fredericton — April 28 between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
• Fix Auto, 156 Greenview Dr., Hanwell — May 6 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., April 30 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., April 29 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and April 28 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Lunar Rogue, 625 King St., Fredericton, on April 28, between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
• Fix Auto, 156 Greenview Dr., Hanwell, on May 6, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., April 30, between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., April 29, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and April 28, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• McDonald's Restaurant, 1177 Prospect St., on May 5, at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• McDonald's Restaurant in Walmart, 125 Two Nations Crossing, on May 6, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Brainfix Clinic, 56 Avonlea Crt., on May 6.
• Adica Massage Clinic, 152 King St., on May 6.
• Williams Chiropractic, 169 Main St., on May 6.
• Simms Home Hardware Building Centre, 190 King St., on May 6.
• Costco Gas Bar, 5 Wayne Squibb Blvd., on May 6.
• Massage Experts, 169 Dundonald St., on May 6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 7, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Delta Fredericton, 225 Woodstock Rd., on May 6-12.
• STMR. 36 Restaurant – Delta Fredericton, 225 Woodstock Rd., on May 6-12.
• Jack's Pizza, 379 King St., on May 7, at 1 p.m.
• Mitch Clarke Skate Park, 116 Johnston Ave., on May 7, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Garrison Skatepark, York Street parking lot, on May 7, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• James Joyce Pub, 659 Queen St., on May 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• McDonald's Restaurant, 94 Main St., on May 7, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and May 8, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Princess Auto, 21 Trinity Ave., on May 8, from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Fredericton Public Library, 12 Carleton St., on May 8, from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Northside Market, 170 Main St., on May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Irving Oil, 181 King St., on May 9, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Dollarama, 5 Trinity Dr., on May 9, from noon to 2 p.m.
• NB Liquor, 18 Trinity Dr., on May 9, from noon to 5 p.m.
• Home Sense, 18 Trinity Dr., on May 9, from noon to 5 p.m.
• Tim Hortons drive-thru, Regent Street, on May 10, at 1:30 p.m.
• Atlantic Superstore, 471 Smythe St, on May 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and May 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, 700 Priestman St., on May 10-11.
• Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, 800 Priestman St., on May 10-11.
• Veterans Health Unit, 680 Priestman St., on May 10-11.
• Shoppers Drug Mart, 1040 Prospect St., on May 11, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Scott's Nursery, 2192 Route 102, on May 8, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What to do if you have a symptom

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

Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included:

• Fever above 38 C.

• New cough or worsening chronic cough.

• Sore throat.

• Runny nose.

• Headache.

• New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell.

• 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 Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.

• Describe symptoms and travel history.

• Follow instructions.