FREDERICTON (GNB) – Twenty-three new cases of COVID-19 across three health zones were reported today. There remains one hospitalization in the province due to the virus.

“Out of the new cases being reported today, 83 per cent are not fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Cristin Muecke, deputy chief medical officer. “Having 19 out of 23 new cases not fully vaccinated shows, again, the importance of people getting vaccinated with two doses to protect themselves, their families and those who cannot get vaccinated, such as children under 12.”

23 new cases

The 16 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:

  • four people 19 and under;
  • three people 20-29;
  • two people 30-39;
  • three people 40-49;
  • two people 50-59; and
  • two people 60-69.

Fourteen cases are under investigation and two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The three cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:

  • two people 19 and under; and
  • an individual 30-39.

Two cases are under investigation and the other one is travel-related.

The four cases in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) are as follows:

  • an individual 20-29;
  • two people 40-49; and
  • an individual 60-69.

Three of the cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and the other one is under investigation.

Vaccine update

As of today, 72.0 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated and 83.7 per cent have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have not yet had your first or second dose, you are asked to go to a walk-in clinic or to book an appointment through a participating pharmacy or at a Vitalité or Horizon health network clinic as soon as possible.

All eligible New Brunswickers can book their second-dose appointments now for a date that is at least 28 days after their first dose. To receive a second dose, bring a signed consent form, your Medicare card and a copy of the record of immunization provided after receiving your first dose.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 2,582. There have been six recoveries since Wednesday for a total of 2,403 recoveries. There have been 46 deaths and the number of active cases is 132. An additional 1,229 tests were conducted Wednesday for a total of 396,856.

Mobile and walk-in vaccination clinics added

A mobile clinic for those who have not yet received their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is taking place Saturday, Aug. 21. in Fredericton.

Zone 3 Public Health, in collaboration with Fredericton Pride, is conducting the clinic outside the Fredericton Public Library between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

People attending this mobile vaccination clinic are asked to bring their Medicare card, a record of vaccination if receiving their second dose, and a signed consent form. This clinic will be administering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people 12 and older, which can be used safely and effectively as either a first or second dose.

Walk-in vaccination clinics are available Saturday, Aug. 21, in Fredericton, St. Stephen and Saint-Quentin. The community clinics taking walk-ins without appointments are as follows:

  • Fredericton, Brookside Mall, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 12 and older
  • St. Stephen, Garcelon Civic Centre, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 12 and older
  • Saint-Quentin, Auberge Évasion des Rêves, 9 a.m. to noon, Moderna vaccine for individuals 18 and older

Mandatory vaccination or testing policy for provincial government employees

Based on a recommendation from Public Health, cabinet has agreed to a mandatory vaccination or testing policy for all provincial government employees.

While the specific details are still being finalized, this policy, once in place, will require all provincial government employees to be fully vaccinated or submit to regular testing, and to wear a mask at work until they have received both vaccine doses. Vaccination will also be a condition of employment for new hires.

Details of the policy will be communicated directly to employees once they have been finalized.

Potential public exposures

Anyone with symptoms of the virus, as well as anyone who has been at the site of a possible public exposure, is urged to request a test online or call Tele-Care 811 to get an appointment.

 

19-08-21