HALIFAX -- With just one new case of COVID-19 in New Brunswick, the province's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, says it's "encouraging" to see slow growth in the number of confirmed cases.
However, Dr. Russell says it's too early to get comfortable and encouraged New Brunswickers to keep doing what they are doing.
"It is only natural to wonder if this indicates an end to the outbreak. But we must not get ahead of ourselves and we must continue to do all that we can to slow the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Russell. "I am much more concerned about community transmission than travel-related transmission."
Dr. Russell said, adding that as long as neighbouring provinces and states are experiencing many more new cases, COVID-19 presents a danger.
"I don't think we can rest easy," she said.
She is encouraging anyone who has, even mild, symptoms, to call 811.
The new confirmed case is a person aged 40 to 49 who lives in the Campbellton region.
The province says of the 117 cases, 66 are travel-related, 42 are close contacts of previously confirmed cases, and nine are the result of community transmission. There are no cases under investigation.
Since the pandemic started, 12 New Brunswickers have been hospitalized and seven have since been discharged. Three of the five patients remaining in hospital are in an intensive care unit. So far, 77 people have recovered.
Premier Blaine Higgs says he's proud to see so many businesses across New Brunswick adjust to COVID-19 protocols, such as putting arrows on the floor, encouraging physical distancing, doing curbside pickups and drop offs. He's encouraging people say "thank you" to employees doing this.
Higgs says the legislature will resume Friday. MLAs are meeting to change the fines for those who are not complying to the state of emergency declaration. Higgs says that may not need to happen, as cases remain low.
The province's all-party cabinet committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday night.
The premier discouraged flood-watchers, from checking out rising rivers and insted urged them to follow River Watch from the comfort and safety of their homes.
“We know people will be tempted to go get a closer look at the waterways, to see how high the levels are,” said Higgs. “Flood tourism is never a good idea, and this is especially true as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19. The best place to be and to stay is at home.”
