N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 5 new cases, Public Health updates vaccine clinic details

Public Health reported five new cases of COVID-19 in two zones on Monday.

In a news release, it said the cases break down in this way:

Moncton region, Zone 1, two cases:

•  two people 20 to 29 years old, both cases travel related 

Miramichi region, Zone 7, three cases:

• an individual 19 or under 
• two people 40 to 49 

The three Miramichi region cases are linked to a previous case.

All five people are self-isolating.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 1,460, and there are 36 active cases. Since Sunday, four people have recovered for a total of 1,395 recoveries.

There have been 28 deaths. Three people are hospitalized, and one is in intensive care.

A total of 236,223 tests have been conducted, including 1,164 since Sunday's report.

More than 10,400 to be vaccinated this week

Clinics are scheduled to take place this week to vaccinate more than 10,400 people, including residents and staff at 56 licensed long-term care facilities, Public Health said Monday.

First-dose clinics for residents of all licensed long-term care homes in New Brunswick are expected to be completed by March 17.

Clinics are also being held in First Nations communities this week and next to offer the first dose of vaccine to community members aged 16 and older.

Researcher defends vaccinating younger people earlier

A University of Waterloo researcher is defending the province's decision to give COVID vaccines to 16- to 24-year-olds before people in their 60s.

Kelly Grindrod says there is a case to be made for vaccinating younger people first.

"We know the pandemic has had huge impacts on young people and their education, their educational opportunities," she said during an interview with Information Morning Fredericton.

With more young people being vaccinated, more people can contribute to New Brunswick's economy through tourism and retail, said Grindrod, who is also an associate professor at the university's school of pharmacy.

• N.B. universities could continue some online classes this fall

The pandemic has meant missing school and other social events. And young people are a lot more prone to take part in super-spreader events. 

"We know that young people have a lot more contact."

Since New Brunswick Public Health was able to prevent a lot of community spread over the past year, Grindrod said, it can put more focus on vaccinating other age groups first.

"The likelihood of death becomes a very different kind of conversation."

• Ease in COVID-19 restrictions doesn't change much, event planners say

Since New Brunswick is going against the grain, Grindrod said the province should have done a better job explaining its rationale for vaccinating the younger group first.

But Health Minister Dorothy Shephard has said the province chose to vaccinate younger people before those in their 60s because the younger group is more likely to be out spreading the coronavirus.

Grindrod's comments come after a retired Edmundston doctor raised concerns about the plan last week.

Dr. Paul Clavette pointed out that all other provinces are taking a decreasing age approach and instances of serious covid infections and death are higher among 60 year olds than they are teens.

The province's vaccine rollout is expected to speed up with the recent approval of a fourth vaccine by Health Canada.

Details of a new schedule are expected later this week.

"The one solution to a lot of this is having lots of vaccines to get people vaccinated quickly," Grindrod said.

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:

• A fever above 38 C.

• A 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.