Premier Blaine Higgs and Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health participate in a COVID-19 briefing on Sept. 29. (Image via GNB)
New Brunswick Public Health announced one new COVID-19-related death and 84 new cases on Wednesday.
An individual from the Moncton region age 90 or older has passed away, per Public Health. The province has now recorded 57 deaths caused by the virus.
“One of the very sad realities of this COVID-19 pandemic is that people die from the effects of the virus,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, during a COVID-19 update.
As of today, there are 40 New Brunswickers hospitalized with COVID-19, 16 of who require intensive care. Following 56 recoveries, the provincial caseload increased to 657.
“Of the 71 hospitalizations between Aug. 1 and Sept. 28, 11 or 15.5 per cent were fully vaccinated, four or 5.6 per cent were partially vaccinated and 56 or 78.9 per cent were unvaccinated,” Public Health said in a news release.
The 27 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:
· 10 people 19 and under;
· two people 20-29;
· eight people 30-39;
· four people 40-49; and
· three people 50-59.
Nineteen cases are under investigation and eight are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The nine new cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:
· four people 19 and under;
· two people 20-29;
· a person 30-39;
· a person 60-69; and
· a person 70-79.
Five cases are under investigation and four are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The 24 new cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:
· eight people 19 and under;
· two people 20-29;
· two people 30-39;
· two people 40-49;
· five people 50-59;
· four people 60-69; and
· one person 70-79.
Nineteen cases are under investigation and five are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The 15 new cases in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) are as follows:
· five people 19 and under;
· two people 20-29;
· four people 30-39;
· two people 40-49; and
· two people 50-59.
Eight cases are under investigation and seven are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The four new cases in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) are as follows:
· three people 19 and under; and
· a person 30-39.
All four cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The four new cases in Zone 6 (Bathurst region) are as follows:
· two people 20-29;
· a person 30-39; and
· a person 50-59.
Two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and two are under investigation.
The one new case in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) is a person 50-59. This case is under investigation.
Addressing the current health measures, Russell said it’s necessary to find an “appropriate balance” given the impact on mental health, society, the economy and the education system. She said we are now in a serious situation that calls for serious measures.
“When the pressure on our hospitals has been reduced, we will …once again be able to relax the most restrictive measures,” said Russell.
Capacity at hospitals continues to be a point of concern, with an occupancy rate of approximately 94% provincewide. In addition, multiple ICU patients in the Edmundston region have been transferred to facilities in the Fredericton area.
Due to the increase in requests for COVID-19 testing, capacity at assessment centres in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John are being expanded, said Russell.
Upon recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Russell announced boosters for seniors living in a long-term care home and other congregate settings who have already received two doses of an mRNA vaccine. Beginning in early October, boosters will be available for these groups along with the annual flu vaccine.
Premier Blaine Higgs provided an update on the rate of compliance since new health measures went into effect one week ago.
Over the last seven days, inspectors and peace officers have conducted 2,691 spot checks at businesses and events.
“The goal of these initial visits was to ensure businesses were complying with the new regulations and to educate business owners, managers and staff,” said Higgs.
As a result, 94% of businesses were in full compliance with the new health regulations.
Over the next week, the premier said the focus is on the small minority of businesses that are not in compliance. He added that businesses that choose not to follow these regulations will face a fine that begins at $480.
For more information on the COVID-19 briefing and data click here.
