News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Public Health reported 18 new cases of COVID-19 today.

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

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

One case is travel related and the other is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

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

• an individual 30-39; and
• two people 50-59.

All three cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The one case in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) is an individual 20-29. This case is travel related.

The 12 cases in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) are as follows:

• an individual 20-29;
• an individual 50-59;
• two people 70-79;
• five people 80-89; and
• three people 90 and over.

Five of the cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and the other seven are under investigation

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 1,933. Since yesterday, four people have recovered for a total of 1,755 recoveries. There have been 36 deaths, and the number of active cases is 141. Five patients are hospitalized, including two in an intensive care unit. Yesterday, 1,395 tests were conducted for a total of 291,360.

Update on George Street Middle School in Fredericton (Zone 3)

Public Health has identified a number of students and staff from George Street Middle School in Fredericton who are required to take a second COVID-19 test this weekend. The assessment centre is calling individuals directly who must be tested a second time. The centre has the capacity to test everyone who is required to do so, and results will be available by the end of the day on Sunday, May 2. Parents will be informed of next steps by that time.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have seen situations where individuals who first tested negative for COVID-19 have subsequently had a positive result five to 10 days after their initial test,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “The uncertainties surrounding the variant first confirmed in India require increased vigilance, and certain individuals must be retested as a precaution.”  

Everyone from the George Street Middle School community must continue to follow the directions of Public Health. Those who choose not to be tested may be required to undergo an extended isolation period. The school has been closed since a positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed on Monday, April 26. So far, all test results have been negative.

New Brunswick travellers requiring isolation facilities

New measures for leisure and non-essential travellers returning to New Brunswick, as well as people moving to the province and business travellers, were implemented to address the increasing threat posed by COVID-19 variants. These measures include requiring travellers to stay in designated isolation facilities. There may be individual cases that require an alternative to a specific hotel as a designated facility, such as a stand-alone residence. That will be determined on a case-by-case basis, while ensuring any designated isolation site still meets the need to keep New Brunswickers safe.

Travellers with questions on whether they have a situation that may qualify are asked to email [email protected]. Travellers will be contacted in order of planned arrival. Those who cannot meet requirements must isolate at a designated hotel.

Enhanced compliance checks will be conducted on returning travellers approved to stay in alternative isolation locations during the quarantine period. Anyone found to be non-compliant will be directed to a designated isolation hotel at their own expense and will face fines.

Exposure notifications

Public Health follows a standard process when addressing instances where the public may have been exposed to a case of COVID-19. In cases where record-keeping is able to identify anyone who may have been exposed, officials contact these individuals directly and do not issue a separate announcement. In cases where officials cannot be certain of exactly who may have been exposed to the virus in a given location, Public Health issues an announcement to alert those who could have been affected and provides instructions.

Public Health has identified a potential public exposure to the virus at the following locations and dates in Charlotte County:

• Atlantic Superstore, 195 King St., St. Stephen on Wednesday, April 28, between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Save Easy, 232 Water St., Saint Andrews on Monday, April 26, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Birch Grove Restaurant, 34 Brunswick St., St. George, on Saturday, April 24, between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Dr. Michael Murphy’s Office, 6 Queen St. W, St. Stephen on Tuesday, April 20 between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Public Health has identified a potential public exposure to the virus at the following location and date in Fredericton:

• The Snooty Fox, 66 Regent St. on Thursday, April 22, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Public Health is now offering COVID-19 testing for all New Brunswickers who have been in a public exposure area, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms. Residents may request a test online or call Tele-Care 811 to get an appointment at the nearest screening centre.

People experiencing one or more symptom are also encouraged to get tested.

Vaccination clinics

More appointments to receive a vaccine at a Horizon or Vitalité health network vaccination clinic have been added to the online booking tool. Anyone who is part of a group that is currently eligible for their first dose of the vaccine may book an appointment online or by calling 1-833-437-1424.

System updates

The online system which is used to request a test for COVID-19 will be offline for updates between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 2. The website will be available after 6:30 p.m.

Reminder of Orange and Yellow levels

A section of Zone 4, including Edmundston and the Upper Madawaska region, 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 recommended in or out of areas in the Orange levels but travel between areas in Orange is permitted. Travel among Yellow level areas is also permitted.