Health Minister Dorothy Shephard speaks during a COVID-19 briefing on Jan. 7, 2021. (Image: CPAC video capture)
Reports of overcrowded emergency departments in Moncton has prompted a reminder from the Health Minister.
Dorothy Shephard says it is important New Brunswickers take the proper steps in being tested for COVID-19, “I have heard instances of symptomatic people under 50 visiting the Emergency department to receive a PCR test. Please do not do this. Visiting an Emergency room when you have symptoms puts others at risk.”
Shephard says instead, they should be booking online for a point of care rapid test or a PCR test while isolating at home.
Information on how to request a test, can be found online.
Meantime, the push continues by Public Health for New Brunswickers to get their COVID-19 vaccines.
Questions are being raised as to whether or not the province will eventually mandate them.
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard says at this point in time, it is not a point of discussion, “It is a serious issue, but we maintain right now that education, pushing for those to get vaccinated, that will be the path we’ll stay on for the near future.”
Shephard adds that she can’t say what will happen further down the road.
She also points out that there is nowhere else in Canada that is currently mandating COVID-19 vaccines.
Anyone over the age of 18, can now get a booster shot by booking an appointment online for a pharmacy or through the Health Networks.
