COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different types of coronaviruses and most of the time, coronaviruses cause mild respiratory illnesses like the common cold. Common symptoms for COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• A new cough, or worsening chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Headache
• A new onset of fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Loss of sense of taste
• Loss of sense of smell
• Difficulty breathing

In severe cases, infection can lead to death.

COVD-19 Vaccines

Vaccines are the best way to protect you from getting severely sick from COVID-19 infection. Please see the COVID-19 Vaccine Information page for more information.

You can book your next COVID-19 vaccine appointment by visiting: COVID-19 vaccines booking (gnb.ca)

Living with COVID-19

New Brunswickers are advised to assess and manage their personal risk and to continue using public health precautions that can decrease their risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. These include washing their hands often, covering their coughs and sneezes, and staying home if sick. Individuals may also consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded public places.

What to do if you develop COVID-19 symptoms

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home while you are sick and work from home if possible.

You should stay home until;

• your symptoms improve
• you have been fever-free for 24 hours
• you have been diarrhea-and vomit-free for 48 hours.

If respiratory illness symptoms worsen, or if you do not notice improvement after 5 or 6 days, call your primary care provider or Telecare 811.

If you are having difficulty breathing or are experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Who is at higher risk of having more severe COVID-19 illness?

• Persons not fully vaccinated yet
• Increasing age, especially over 60 years of age
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions, including:
  • dementia
  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • lung disease
  • obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)
  • stroke
• People of any age who are immunocompromised, including those:
  • with an underlying medical condition (e.g., recent cancer treatment, solid organ or bone marrow transplant, immune system disorder, HIV / AIDS, no spleen, dialysis)
  • taking medications that lower the immune system (e.g., chemotherapy)
• Individuals who are pregnant

Please make sure that you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.

Most people do not need to test for COVID-19.

Lab based PCR test for COVID-19 are available when requested by a primary care provider.

If you are at risk of severe disease and develop symptoms consult with your primary care provider.

If you do not have or cannot reach, your primary care provider, then you can call 811 or visit https://www.evisitnb.ca/ to be assessed.

If you are having difficulty breathing or are experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Test results can be accessed through MyHealthNB.

Register and access your COVID-19 information through MyHealthNB (PDF)

In New Brunswick, distribution of rapid point of care tests to the general public ended on June 30th, 2024.  Rapid tests are available for purchase online or at some community pharmacies.

Paxlovid ^TM

Paxlovid™ is used for treatment of certain adults with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization and are at high risk for serious illness.

Paxlovid^™ is an oral anti-viral that can be taken at home. To be effective, it must be taken within 5 days of developing symptoms.

Paxlovid^™ does not stop you from getting COVID-19, and it does not make you feel better faster.

Paxlovid^™ has numerous significant and serious drug interactions and may not be appropriate for all people.

Consult a health care provider to determine if Paxlovid^™ is an appropriate treatment for you.

Treatment is not a substitute for vaccination.

How to access Paxlovid^TM

• If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness (such as COVID-19, influenza, or RSV), you may contact your primary care provider to determine next steps for testing, treatment, and care.
• If you already have a positive test result for COVID-19, you may:
  • Contact your primary care provider and inform them that you have tested positive for COVID-19 and you would like to be assessed for Paxlovid; or
  • Contact a participating pharmacy to be assessed for Paxlovid. The list of participating pharmacies can be found here.
• If you do not have, or cannot reach, your primary care provider, then call 811 or visit https://www.evisitnb.ca/. You will be assessed and, if appropriate, will be given an appointment with a nurse practitioner or doctor.

Awareness resources for citizens, businesses, and organizations.