N.B. releases COVID-19 winter plan, reports 97 new cases, two deaths Friday
Two more people have died of COVID-19 in New Brunswick as the province reported 97 new cases of the virus on Friday.
This brings the total number of active cases in the province to 711.
During the province's COVID-19 update Friday afternoon, the government announced a COVID-19 plan for the winter.
"We want New Brunswickers to gather with family and friends over the holidays," said New Brunswick's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell. "But we want it to be done safely."
She alerted residents that while the majority of New Brunswickers are doing the right things, disruptions may happen such as enhanced restrictions as the province works to stop the spread of the virus.
UNVACCINATED PEOPLE AT GREATER RISK
Dr. Russell said unvaccinated people are at a much greater risk of experiencing the worst effects of COVID-19.
She said over the past couple weeks there has been an increase in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
While looking at today's new cases, Dr. Russell offered an apples-to-apples comparison. She said there are 8.8 cases per 100,000 vaccinated New Brunswickers, versus 32.9 cases to 100,000 unvaccinated residents.
She added that about 59 per cent of those in hospital with the virus are over the age of 60.
"Those who are older and unvaccinated face the greatest risk from COVID-19 right now," Dr. Russell said.
She's also encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated as soon as possible.
The province said booster doses are available for those over 60, while booster eligibly will be expanded to those over 50 next week, and to 40 in the coming weeks.
Dr. Russell said 80 New Brunswickers, who recently travelled to where the new variant is present, are being monitored for Omicron.
THREE LEVEL COVID-19 ACTION PLAN
During Friday's COVID-19 update, New Brunswick's Health Minister Dorothy Shephard announced a new three level COVID-19 winter action plan.
She said, when combined with vaccinations and public health guidelines, the action plan will help reduce the spread of the virus.
The plan goes into effect Saturday at 11:59 p.m. until spring, at which time it will be re-evaluated.
Shephard said the entire province will begin in level one, the lowest of the three levels, which is similar to the current measures that are in place.
Once level one takes effect, the province's health minister said that informal gatherings in homes will have a 20 person capacity and outside informal gatherings will be limited to 50 individuals. She is encouraging everyone to keep contacts as low as possible.
Under level one, Shephard said masks are required in outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible.
Physical distancing between customers and patrons should also be followed at malls, grocery stores, salons, and other businesses.
There are two more levels of the winter action plan – they include lower capacity levels, travel restrictions and gathering limits.
Shephard said the province's education system will continue to follow its existing plan.
Details regarding New Brunswick's COVID-19 plan can be found on the province's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.