News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health confirmed today that an individual between 70-79 in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) has died as a result of COVID-19. This brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the province to 35.

“I am sorry to learn about the death of another New Brunswicker due to COVID-19,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. ”Together, we grieve with the victim’s family and reflect on the life and loves of this individual.”

“I join all New Brunswickers in sharing my deepest sympathies with the family and friends of this individual,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of heath. “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by this tragic loss.”

Eight new cases

Public Health reported eight new cases of COVID-19 today.

The one case in Zone 1 (Moncton region) is an individual 40-49 and is under investigation.

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

• an individual 30-39; and

• an individual 80-89.

Both cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The three cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:

• an individual 19 and under; and

• two people 30-39.

One case is travel-related and two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The two cases in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) are two people age 70-79. Both cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 1,847. Since yesterday, 19 people have recovered for a total of 1,675 recoveries. There have been 35 deaths, and the number of active cases is 136. Eight patients are hospitalized, including three in an intensive care unit. Yesterday, 1,189 tests were conducted for a total of 282,532.

Isolation in hotels for leisure travellers

The new isolation requirements for anyone returning to the province from leisure travel, as well as individuals moving to New Brunswick and business travellers who are not rotational workers, truck drivers or regular cross-border commuters, will begin tonight.

These travellers will be required to self-isolate for at least seven days in a designated isolation hotel at their own expense, be required to take a COVID-19 test on day five of their self-isolation, and once they get a negative result, they may complete their 14-day self-isolation at home, as long as no other people are in the household. Test results will likely be available on day seven of isolation. Leisure travellers will be required to take a second test on day 10 of their isolation.

Upon arriving in New Brunswick, leisure travellers must drive themselves or use a taxi. No family pick-ups or carpools are permitted. These rules apply to all leisure travellers, regardless of their vaccination status.

Isolation hotels will be located in communities across the province. They will be co-ordinated by the Canadian Red Cross to provide housing, food, medical needs and security. The cost to travellers will be about $200 per day.        

Modified isolation for truckers / cross-border commuters

If you are a trucker who regularly crosses the border, or a regular cross-border commuter, and you are wondering how the modified isolation guidelines announced yesterday affect you, here are a few things to remember:

• After entering New Brunswick, you need to follow modified isolation rules for up to 14 days.

• During this period, you can come and go to work freely, including leaving on another run, even if that is in the next couple of days.

• When you are not at work, you can stay with your family. They do not have to isolate, but they should follow public health guidelines and minimize contact with others.

• You should not go anywhere else except to get necessities of life like food or medication through contactless means such as curbside pickup.

The provincial government plans these additional measures to be in place for only another month to achieve a reduction in the spread of the virus, prevent overwhelming the health-care system, keep most of the province at the yellow level and to avoid widespread lockdowns.

The changes will be effective Saturday, April 24 at 11:59 p.m. under the mandatory order. For more information, please go to the province’s COVID-19 page.

All travellers entering New Brunswick, including truck drivers who regularly cross borders, must register their travel online or by calling 1-833-948-2800.

New guidelines for returning post-secondary students

Post-secondary students returning to New Brunswick from COVID-19 hot zones outside Atlantic Canada, as well as anyone assisting them, must immediately self-isolate for 14 days. At this time, the Halifax Regional Municipality qualifies as a hot zone, as it is in lockdown.

Beginning Sunday, April 25 at 11:59 p.m., returning post-secondary students and anyone assisting them will need to stay in an isolation hotel. The cost of the isolation hotel and related expenses will be covered by the provincial government.

Reminder of lockdown, Orange and Yellow levels

A section of Zone 4, including Edmundston and the upper Madawaska region, is in lockdown as per the province’s mandatory order. A detailed list of lockdown restrictions, including what can remain open and what must close, is available online.

The communities of Saint-Léonard, Grand Falls, Drummond, New Denmark and Four Falls remain in the Orange level.

All other zones and communities in the province, including the Saint-Quentin and Kedgwick regions in Zone 4, remain in the Yellow level.

No travel is permitted in and out of the lockdown area, or within the lockdown area, except when necessary such as for vaccinations, medical appointments, work, or to purchase essential goods. No travel is recommended in or out of areas in the Orange level. This recommendation includes no travel to sporting or entertainment events in other zones. Travel between Yellow level areas is permitted.