News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) - Public Health reported 20 new cases of COVID-19 today.

The 12 cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:

• one individual between 20 and 29;
• two people between 60 and 69;
• two people between 70 and 79;
• four people between 80 and 89; and,
• three people over 90.

There is one case in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) in an individual 50-59 related to travel from outside the Atlantic bubble.

The seven cases in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) are as follows:

• one individual under 19 years of age;
• one individual between 20 and 29;
• one individual between 30 and 39;
• one individual between 50 and 59;
• two people between 60 and 69; and,
• one individual between 70 and 79.

All of these cases are self-isolating.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 258 and 199 have recovered. There have been two deaths, and the number of active cases is 57. Three patients are hospitalized with one in an intensive care unit. As of today, 84,081 tests have been conducted.

Zones 1 and 5 are Orange

Zone 1 (Moncton region) and Zone 5 (Campbellton region) transitioned back to Orange level under the province’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

“We ask that you do not travel into and out of these zones at this time, unless it is essential, as we need to do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “We know there are students at post-secondary institutions in those zones who want to go home for thanksgiving dinner this weekend. We are asking you and everyone not to travel in or out of those zones at this time. This is not a time to stigmatize our fellow New Brunswickers, or to get complacent if your zone is currently in the Yellow level. This is a time to remember that we truly are all in this together.”

The following rules apply to Zones 1 and 5 only:

• Two household bubble plus formal or informal caregivers and members of immediate family (parents, children, siblings and grand-parents) is permitted.
• Avoid family gatherings of more than 10 people.

• Outdoor gatherings with physical distancing of 10 people or fewer are permitted. Physical distancing required in all other settings.

• Indoor religious services, weddings and funerals of 10 people or fewer are permitted.

• Face masks remain mandatory in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors.

• Non-urgent medical procedures and elective surgeries allowed.

• Strict visitor restrictions are maintained in vulnerable settings.

• Primary care providers and regulated health professionals may operate utilizing virtual appointments whenever possible.

• Unregulated health professionals are allowed, however, close contact personal services such as barbers, hair stylists or spas are closed.

• Daycares and K to 12 schools are open under strict guidance, with virtual learning to be used for at-risk populations. Day camps are allowed.

• Post-secondary education can continue to operate.

• Outdoor recreational activities are allowed, including campgrounds, ATV or snowmobile trails. However, no organized sports are allowed.

• Gym and fitness facilities are closed, including other similar sport or recreational businesses or facilities.

• Casinos, amusement centres, bingo halls, arcades, cinemas and large live performance venues are closed.

• All other businesses, including food, beverage and retail, can operate under a COVID-19 operational plan. Record keeping for seated venues is a requirement.

All other zones in New Brunswick remain at the Yellow level. During this time, Public Health measures and guidelines must still be followed.

To find out the boundaries of each health zone, see the map available at:

• COVID-19 Dashboard (mobile and most browsers)

• COVID-19 Dashboard (for Internet Explorer users)

Schools in the Orange

In the Orange level, enhanced mask use will be required for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. These policies apply to all students, teachers and staff, unless they are not required to wear a mask for medical reasons.

Students in kindergarten through Grade 8 will now be required to wear a mask throughout the day, except when they are working quietly at their desk, engaged in physical activity, eating or drinking. Students in Grades 9 to 12 will be required to wear masks throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors, unless they are eating or engaged in physical activity. Students of all ages and grades are required to wear masks at all times on the school bus, even if they are sitting alone or with a family member.

The Return to School plan establishes that all intramural, interscholastic and extra-curricular activities are suspended while zones are in the Orange level. 

Early learning and child care facilities in the Orange

Children attending after-school care programs are required to wear masks at all times, unless they are engaged in physical activity, or when they are eating or drinking. Children aged two and up will wear masks when they are in common areas and if they are using transportation that is provided by the facility.

Field trips will not be permitted while the region is in the Orange level and active screening procedures will be implemented. More information on active screening procedures is available in the COVID-19 Recovery Phase: Guidance to Early Learning and Childcare Facilities and Summer Camps.

These policies are only in place for schools and early childhood learning facilities while the zone is in the Orange level. Facilities will return to their normal operational plans once the zone returns to Yellow.

“I know you have many more questions and will certainly have more in the weeks to come,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “We are committed to keeping you as informed as possible throughout the coming school year. I ask that everyone continue to be kind, be patient and keep following Public Health’s advice.”

Sugarloaf High School

A positive case has been confirmed at Sugarloaf High School in Campbellton. As a result, the school was closed yesterday. Staff are working on providing students with access to their belongings and anything they may require for online learning. All students from the high school will be learning remotely on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14. This will give teachers time to prepare for the transition to full-time online learning for the students from Quebec, which goes into effect on Tuesday.

Académie Notre-Dame

A positive case has been confirmed at Académie Notre-Dame in Dalhousie and the school community has been informed. Public Health continues to carry out contact tracing, which will inform any decisions about how learning may be impacted in the coming days. Families should watch for further communication from the school over the weekend.