FREDERICTON (GNB) – Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, today announced New Brunswick’s second presumptive case of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.
“While I know some New Brunswickers may be concerned by a second case, this is not unexpected,’ said Russell.
Diagnostic testing was conducted at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre’s laboratory in Moncton which confirmed the case as presumptive. Additional testing to confirm the case as a positive COVID-19 case will take place at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.
The case is a male between 50 and 60 years old, in zone 1 (in the southern part of the province). The patient is a close contact to a confirmed-travel related case.
“This individual is already isolated and Public Health officials have already taken swift action to implement immediate precautions to prevent the infection from spreading.,” added Russell.
Public Health continues to be in constant contact with the Public Health Agency of Canada and with other jurisdictions to monitor the developing situation.
New Brunswickers are encouraged to visit a dedicated web page about COVID-19 novel coronavirus to learn how they can protect themselves and what to do if they suspect they may be at risk. The web page will be continuously updated.
14-03-20