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
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.