The first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five through 11 is expected to arrive in New Brunswick on Tuesday.
Public Health says the vaccine will be distributed throughout the province and first doses could be administered later this week through the health authorities and participating pharmacies.
More than 54,000 children will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
Meantime, health officials reported 62 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday with 55 recoveries.
Currently, 33 people are in hospital with the virus of which 15 are in an intensive care unit.
Regional breakdown of new cases
The 20 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:
• six people 19 and under;
• a person 20-29;
• three people 30-39;
• seven people 40-49;
• a person 50-59; and
• two people 60-69.
Thirteen cases are under investigation and seven are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The eight new cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:
• two people 19 and under;
• two people 20-29;
• a person 30-39;
• two people 40-49; and
• a person 50-59.
One case is under investigation and seven cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The 24 new cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:
• eight people 19 and under;
• four people 20-29;
• five people 30-39;
• three people 40-49; and
• four people 50-59.
Seventeen cases are under investigation and seven are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
The three new cases in Zone 6 (Bathurst region) are as follows:
• two people 20-29; and
• a person 40-49.
All three cases are under investigation.
The seven new cases in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) are as follows:
• a person 19 and under;
• two people 40-49;
• three people 50-59; and
• a person 60-69.
Five cases are under investigation and two are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
Additional information is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.
Rapid testing program to roll out in child-care facilities
Beginning today, children two years and older and staff at child-care facilities who are identified as a close contact of a confirmed case will be provided with either a five, 10 or 15 day supply of rapid tests.
Children attending child care will be required to self-isolate for a period of at least 24 hours while they take their first two rapid tests.
Unless otherwise advised by Public Health, learners will be able to return to child care once they have recorded two negative tests and if they have no symptoms.
They will be required to continue to test daily until the end of the period as prescribed by Public Health through instructions they receive with their kits.
Outbreak declared in Saint John
Public Health has declared an outbreak at Lantern House, a rooming house in Saint John.
Members of the Provincial Rapid Outbreak Management Team were deployed following the confirmation of four positive cases.
A round of testing will take place today, followed by another round later this week.
