NB Premier Blaine Higgs (Photo: Govt of NB You Tube)
An extension of Level 3 of New Brunswick’s Winter Action Plan appears unlikely after remarks made by Premier Blaine Higgs.
During a provincial new conference on Friday, Higgs said in a recent meeting Public Health had indicated the province is “on track” to return to Level 2 at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 30.
“Early indications are showing that there has been a 30 per cent reduction in people’s contacts, which is exactly why we’re in this situation with the Level 3,” Higgs said.
There are currently 450 healthcare workers who have tested positive for the virus and are isolating.
Though it appears as a net loss, Higgs said there is a balance between healthcare workers entering and exiting isolating.
Hospitalizations continue to rise to new record highs, and Higgs stressed the province is “not out of the woods,” but the ability to manage the situation is improving.
“To help alleviate pressure, the Department of Social Development has been working with long term care home operators to create a pool of emergency long term care beds throughout the province, thus far 160 beds have been identified,” Higgs announced.
An urgent request for volunteers appears to have bolstered the resources available to the province’s health care system.
On Tuesday, the province issued a call for New Brunswickers to fill clinical and non-clinical positions.
Since then, there have been over 3,000 applicants looking to answer the call.
“We are still in great need of nurses with critical care experiences, and I encourage anyone who’s able to offer their assistance to please do so,” Higgs said.
Addressing the business community, Higgs seemingly confirmed the lockdown would not be extended, stating, “We have nine days left, we can do this.”
The Premier acknowledged some businesses have not been compliant with the measures as an act of frustration. However, he noted those same businesses are now following the necessary measures.
Case data
New Brunswick’s pandemic experience reached a grim milestone on Friday, surpassing 200 COVID-linked deaths.
Two people in their 80s, an individual in the Saint John region and a person in the Campbellton zone, passed away.
Public Health reported there are 125 people in hospital with COVID-19, including 14 people in intensive care and nine people who require a ventilator
Of those currently hospitalized, 73 were admitted for reasons other than COVID-19.
Based on PCR testing, there are 514 new cases of COVID-19, including 131 infections in the Moncton health zone and 114 in the Saint John region.
Through results reported to Public Health, the province determined there are 780 new rapid test positives
Vaccines
Efforts to ensure all New Brunswickers receive a COVID-19 vaccine were reinforced at Friday’s briefing.
In her address to the public, Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, applauded the pace of the booster rollout.
To date, 36.2 per cent of New Brunswickers eligible to receive a vaccine have rolled up their sleeves for a third jab.
Russell noted the administering of pediatric doses has slowed since they became available on Nov. 26, stating 29,002 – or 53.2 per cent – New Brunswick children aged 5-11 have been vaccinated.
Parents and guardians can now book an appointment for children aged five to 11 to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if at least eight weeks have passed since their first dose.
New Brunswick’s top doc also noted following the measures associated with Level 3 of the Winter Action Plan is “giving the gift of time,” by providing the health care system more time to recover.
