N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 26 new cases reported, RCMP officer in Moncton tests positive
RCMP officers responding to disturbance call Wednesday encounter person with virus
Latest
- Province reports 26 new cases
- RCMP reports officer tested positive after exposure
- 2 cases at Moncton school, students asked to stay home
- Edmundston care home to start vaccinating residents, staff
- 2 positive cases connected to Madawaska Regional Correctional Centre
New Brunswick is reporting 26 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday.
There are now 283 active cases in the province, mostly concentrated in the Edmundston and Grand Falls region, which remains under a full lockdown.
Four people are in the hospital, including two in intensive care.
In the Moncton region (Zone 1), there are nine new cases including:
- four people 19 and under.
- two people 20-29.
- an individual 30-39.
- an individual 50-59.
- an individual 60-69.
In the Saint John region (Zone 2), there is one new case:
- an individual 50-59.
In the Edmundston region (Zone 4), there are 16 new cases:
- two people 19 and under.
- an individual 30-39.
- five people 50-59.
- an individual 70-79.
- six people 80-89.
- an individual over 90.
New Brunswick has confirmed 1,256 cases since the start of the pandemic and 954 recoveries. There have been 18 deaths, the most recent reported on Saturday.
Public Heath has conducted a total of 199,952 tests, including 2,562 since Saturday's update.
RCMP report exposure
A member of the Codiac Regional RCMP has tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to the virus while on duty.
The exposure occurred when police responded to a disturbance in Moncton on Wednesday.
Members learned at the scene that an individual they were dealing with had tested positive.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette said officers wore face coverings during the call.
"As soon as they became aware of the positive case, they followed protocols to limit their exposure and reduce the risk for anyone else," Ouellette said in a statement. "That includes rigorous sanitizing of equipment, self-isolation for the involved members, and extensive COVID-19 testing."
Ouellette wouldn't give any details about the nature of the disturbance call, only to add that no charges have been laid.
RCMP said it is possible the case is not linked to the exposure.
It is working with Public Health to conduct precautionary testing and contact tracing.
2 cases at Moncton school
An elementary school in the Moncton area is asking students to stay home after two cases of COVID-19 were reported.
École Champlain in the Francophone South School District will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Principal Mélanie Moreau confirmed the cases in a letter to the school community on Saturday night.
The Moncton region (Zone 1) remains under red-phase restrictions. That level requires schools to close for three days after a positive test result.
Moreau said school and district staff are working to help Public Health conduct contact tracing. Those needing to self-isolate will be contacted directly.
Students asked to stay at home for three days
With contract tracing underway, the school wants students to stay at home Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Unless told otherwise, students should expect to come back to class as normal on Wednesday.
A deep clean of the school began Saturday evening.
"It is normal that you wish to have more information about the cases confirmed in our school, but know that no names or details will be shared," Moreau wrote. "Like Public Health, we uphold the protection of personal privacy of all our students and staff."
The school said those experiencing one or more symptoms of COVID-19 are urged to get tested.
Edmundston care home to administer vaccines
An Edmundston care home experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 is preparing to vaccine residents.
Manoir Belle Vue has reported 50 cases of the virus, including 33 residents and 17 employees.
The death of a resident was announced by the home on Thursday.
The home will start vaccinating residents and staff Sunday night. Only those who have tested negative will receive their first dose.
Cases connected to correctional centre
Public Health has identified two positive cases of COVID-19 connected to the Madawaska Regional Correctional Centre in Saint-Hilaire, N.B.
The cases are not a result of transmission within the jail and no offenders at the facility have been diagnosed, as of Sunday.
Staff are working closely with Public Health officials to investigate.