HALIFAX -- The COVID-19 outbreak in Zone 5 (the Campbellton) region is officially over.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, said public health has monitored the situation through two 14-day incubation cycles since the area moved back to the yellow level of restrictions on Nov. 5.

"We are now confident that the outbreak is over, and existing measures are sufficient to maintain the area's yellow level status," Russell said.

The outbreak began on Oct. 9.

"I would really like to thank everyone in the Campbellton-Restigouche region for their commitment, their patience, and vigilance in slowing the spread of the virus," said Russell during a news conference Thursday afternoon in Fredericton. "It really was a collective effort, and everyone who self-isolated when directed, who avoided large gatherings, they wore masks and maintained physical distance -- and it really did make it possible for us to limit the impact of this outbreak, and bring it under control quickly."

Russell said the test results are back from another round of testing at Parkland Saint John and all residents tested negative. There is, however, one new case identified in an employee, who has been isolating since Nov. 24. That brings the total of confirmed cases at the home to 16.

Another round of testing will happen at the independant living section Friday and the nursing home next Tuesday.

Public health also announced that there are six new cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick:

  • one case in Moncton region
  • three cases in Saint John region
  • two cases in Fredericton region

There are 111 active cases in the province, with no one in hospital. There are about 1,500 people in isolation.

Public health is advising against non-essential travel this holiday season, but Russell says if you do travel, be aware that the case counts elsewhere are "much, much higher" and take steps to protect yourself and others.

She challenged New Brunswickers to "embrace and celebrate" the holiday season in different ways this year and to get creative.

In another bit of news announcd on Thursday, Premier Blaine Higgs said EMO director Greg MacCallum will lead the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine in New Brunswick when it becomes available.

CASES THROUGHOUT NEW BRUNSWICK

The number of cases are broken down by New Brunswick’s seven health zones:

  • Zone 1 – Moncton region: 142 confirmed cases (19 active cases)
  • Zone 2 – Saint John region: 115 confirmed cases (71 active cases)
  • Zone 3 – Fredericton region: 97 confirmed cases (16 active cases)
  • Zone 4 – Edmundston region: 9 confirmed cases (1 active case)
  • Zone 5 – Campbellton region: 137 confirmed cases
  • Zone 6 – Bathurst region: 8 confirmed cases (4 active cases)
  • Zone 7 – Miramichi region: 4 confirmed cases

Residents can take an online self-assessment if they are experiencing mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.

VEHICLE TRAFFIC INFORMATION

New Brunswick's online dashboard includes information about vehicle traffic attempting to enter the New Brunswick border.

On Wednesday, 1,589 personal and 1,577 commercial vehicles attempted to cross the border into the province.

Of the vehicles attempting to cross the border, 21 were refused entry, for a refusal rate of 0.7 per cent.