N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Fifth death in a week reported at Grand Falls care home

New Brunswick Public Health has reported the fifth death in a week related to a COVID-19 outbreak at a Grand Falls special care home.

A person in their 90s in the Edmundston region has died "as a result of COVID-19," according to a news release from the province Saturday. 

The person was the oldest resident at Grand Falls special care home Pavillon Beau-Lieu, where there's an outbreak involving confirmed cases of the variant first found in South Africa. 

Abigail McCarthy, a spokesperson with the Department of Health, said in an email Saturday that most residents of the special care home have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

She said a first-dose clinic was held for the residents on Feb. 20 and a second-dose clinic was held on April 23. 

There are now 41 deaths from the respiratory disease in the province. 

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell said the news of another death is "difficult to learn."

"I join all of New Brunswick in holding this person's grieving family and friends in my thoughts," Russell said in the release.

There were eight new cases of COVID-19 reported in the province Saturday, which brings the total number of active cases to 141.

The breakdown of new cases is as follows:

Moncton region, Zone 1: two cases:

• Two people under 19.

One case is travel-related and the other is the contact of a previously confirmed case. 

Saint John region, Zone 2: two cases:

• Two people 30 to 39.

Both cases are travel-related.

Fredericton region, Zone 3: one case:

• A person 50 to 59.

Bathurst region, Zone 6: three cases:

• A person 20 to 29.

• A person 50 to 59.

• A person over 90.

Each case is a contact of a previously confirmed case. 

There are 10 people in the hospital, including three who are hospitalized outside of the province, and two in intensive care.

There have now been 1,996 confirmed cases in New Brunswick and 1,813 recoveries. 

Yesterday, 1,459 people were tested and a total of 303,596 tests have been conducted since the onset of COVID-19. 

Magee House to release residents testing negative

Public Health announced Saturday residents of Magee House on the University of New Brunswick campus, who test negative for COVID-19 will be allowed to leave as of midnight tonight. 

The remaining cases will continue to self-isolate in the apartment-style residence next week. 

The outbreak that involves the COVID-19 variant first reported in India, was declared nearly two weeks ago. Residents staying in the building have been under lockdown since.  

There were at least 12 confirmed cases of the virus involved in the outbreak.

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.