N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 0 new cases, 45.4% of eligible population fully vaccinated
Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon | CBC News | Posted: July 8, 2021 3:27 PM | Last Updated: July 9, 2021
Walk-in clinic being held at bowling alley in Bathurst today
New Brunswick reported no new cases of COVID-19 for the third day in a row Thursday, and 45.4 per cent of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated.
Another 14,614 doses were administered Wednesday, including 13,070 second doses, bumping the double-dose vaccination rate up from 43.5 per cent.
The province's goal under the path to green is to have two doses into the arms of at least 75 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 or older by Aug. 2, New Brunswick Day.
Once the threshold is reached, the province will end the state of emergency mandatory order and lift all Public Health restrictions, including masks, provided COVID hospitalizations remain low and all health regions remain at the yellow COVID alert level.
Another 1,544 first doses were also administered Wednesday, edging the first-dose vaccination rate up to 78.9 per cent from 78.7 per cent.
A series of mobile walk-in Moderna clinics is being held this week to make getting vaccinated more convenient and accessible.
"We know you're busy — so we're coming to you!" the government says in its promotional material on social media.
One of the clinics was held at the Bowlarama in Bathurst on Thursday.
Manager Lynn Vienneau said there was a strong turnout, with a lineup out to the back parking lot when they opened at 10 a.m.
By lunchtime, more than 100 people had rolled up their sleeves to help "strike out" COVID.
"I think it's great," she said.
"It's a little bit crazy. It's a little bit fun, but that's the kind of place we are, right? We have fun here."
Neil Larsen, a teacher from Bathurst, who was there for his second dose, thought it was hilarious.
"I never would have guessed it would have been at a bowling alley, but I just live two blocks down," he said. "So it couldn't have been any easier."
He was in and out in five minutes, he said. "And I got a [$5] gift card" for the bowling alley's arcade.
Patrice Guitard, of Pointe-Verte, said the pop-up clinic was perfect for him.
Although he already had an appointment booked for next Monday, he appreciated getting his second dose sooner.
"I'm going on vacation pretty soon and I want [the shot] before, [to] make sure I don't have much reaction," he said.
Coleen Riordon, of Bathurst, also had a second-dose appointment already booked for Saturday, but she can't make it.
"So this was great," she said. "It's quick and it's over with."
Riordon wanted to be fully vaccinated so she can travel to Mexico as soon as possible.
She thinks the convenience of the pop-up walk-in clinics will help the province reach its 75 per cent vaccination goal.
"I think they should be everywhere and people need to get it over and done with and get back to normal life."
Pauline Roy, of Beresford, was grateful for the makeshift clinic at the bowling alley.
"I feel good," she said, after receiving her second dose. "I'm very glad."
Bowlarama had contacted the government and offered to host a clinic, according to the manager.
"It was important just to be part of the community" and to "help the cause," Vienneau said.
"We all want to get back to somewhat normal living and like through vaccination, I believe that that's how we're going to get back to what we used to do."
The clinic was open until 4 p.m. with about 300 doses available to be administered.
A walk-in clinic was also held in Saint Andrews on Thursday at the town hall parking lot.
Wednesday's clinic in Paquetville saw 307 doses administered, said Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane.
Other walk-in clinics, which are offering the Moderna vaccine as first or second doses, are scheduled for:
- Blacks Harbour — Fundy Arena, 6 Arena St., Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dieppe — Bowlarama, 476 Gauvin Rd., Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Anyone over the age of 12 is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. They can book an appointment online through a Horizon or Vitalité health network clinic or through a participating pharmacy.
People are eligible for a second dose once at least 28 days have passed since their first dose.
They are asked to bring a copy of the record of immunization they received after getting their first dose, a signed consent form and their Medicare card.
People who booked an appointment but were able to get vaccinated sooner elsewhere are asked to cancel the appointment they no longer need.
"This will help ensure that someone else in your community can obtain their vaccination sooner," Public Health said in a statement.
9 active cases
The number of active cases of COVID-19 in the province has dropped to single digits, at nine, Public Health reported Thursday.
The last time New Brunswick reported an active case count below 10 was on Oct. 6, 2020, said Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane. Five active cases were noted on that day.
Two people remain in hospital with the respiratory disease, neither in intensive care.
New Brunswick has had 2,336 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease since the pandemic began, with 2,280 recoveries so far and 46 COVID-related deaths.
A total of 366,927 tests have been conducted, including 695 on Wednesday.
There are no new public exposure notices. Previous public exposure notices can be found on the government of New Brunswick's website.
Atlantic COVID roundup
Nova Scotia reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and has 39 active cases.
Newfoundland and Labrador has no new cases and remains at 14 active cases.
Prince Edward Island has no new cases and at last report had two active cases.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 can take a self-assessment test online.
Public Health says symptoms of the illness have included a fever above 38 C, a new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, a new onset of fatigue, and 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 Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor, and follow instructions.