N.B. COVID-19 roundup: No new cases, pharmacies begin taking vaccine appointments for people 85 and older
CBC News | Posted: March 13, 2021 2:48 PM | Last Updated: March 13, 2021
People in first priority age group should contact pharmacies
New Brunswickers 85 and older are now able to make appointments to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
People in that first priority age group can contact pharmacists to receive the shot as early as Wednesday. Caregivers or family members are also able to book an appointment on their behalf.
That group will be followed later this month by those ages 80-84 and 75-79.
More than 200 pharmacies in the province will be offering vaccine.
The province announced an updated rollout plan during a briefing on Friday, with revisions based on new supply and delivery details. The plan aims to see all New Brunswickers receive their first dose by Canada Day.
Second doses will be administered 14-16 weeks after the first shot.
Pharmacies will be administering the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, with the AstraZeneca-Oxford expected to be added once initial shipments arrive later this month.
No new cases
New Brunswick is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday.
There are 33 total active cases, and one person is hospitalized.
The province has confirmed 1,465 cases since the start of the pandemic, including 1,401 recoveries. Public Health has conducted 239,774 tests, including 805 on Friday.
What to know about vaccine rollout
Officials are urging New Brunswickers not to call doctors, pharmacies or 811 until their age group until an announcement is made about their age group.
Beginning next week, Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network will set up clinics for first responders, health-care workers and people with complex medical conditions. Eligible members of these groups will be contacted directly.
- Residents will not be contacted when their group becomes available, and are encouraged to watch closely for announcements.
- Only people 85 and older are currently able to book appointments, through pharmacies.
- Family doctors are not currently offering the vaccine and should not be contacted.
Dumont hospital suspends visits
A Moncton hospital is suspending public visits in one unit in response to the presence of "positive cases related to COVID-19."
The Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre's medical training unit (3-C) is impacted.
Vitalité Health Network said Friday the ban on visitors will remain in place until further notice.
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.