N.B. reports 8 new COVID-19 deaths; decrease in hospitalizations, cases

New Brunswick is reporting eight new COVID-19-related deaths in its latest reporting period.
The data in Tuesday’s report covers between Jan. 22 and Jan. 28.
Since the start of the pandemic, New Brunswick has reported 781 deaths related to the virus.
HOSPITALIZATIONS
The province is reporting a decrease in hospitalizations, with 12 new hospital admissions this week, compared to 17 the week before.
As of Saturday, one person had been admitted into intensive care.
The province's report says, since Aug. 28, the rate of hospitalizations is highest among people aged 70 years and older.
NEW CASES
Health officials are reporting 263 new cases during the seven-day period, compared to 321 in the province's last report.
According to the data, 2,188 tests were completed during the current reporting period.
The regional breakdown of newly recorded COVID-19 cases is as follows:
- Zone 1: 67
- Zone 2: 63
- Zone 3: 62
- Zone 4: 13
- Zone 5: 12
- Zone 6: 32
- Zone 7: 14
SELF-REPORTED RAPID TESTS
New Brunswick provides the number of positive self-reported rapid tests in each reporting period.
Between Jan. 22 and Jan. 28, 145 rapid tests were reported to health officials.
The breakdown of those tests is as follows:
- Zone 1: 49
- Zone 2: 27
- Zone 3: 43
- Zone 4: 7
- Zone 5: 7
- Zone 6: 10
- Zone 7: 2
COVID-19 VARIANTS IN THE PROVINCE
Health officials in New Brunswick say a recent random sample sequenced between Jan. 8 and Jan. 23 shows 87 per cent of positive cases were the BA.5 variant.
Ten per cent were the XBB variant and three per cent were BA.2.
The province says 131 specimens were used for the sample.
VACCINATIONS
As of Saturday, 90.9 per cent of people in New Brunswick had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 85.8 per cent had at least two doses, 54.6 per cent had one booster and 29.6 per cent had two boosters.
The province's full weekly report, along with previous reports, can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec police officer stabbed and killed during arrest, second wounded
A Quebec provincial police officer was fatally stabbed Monday night while carrying out an arrest in the town of Louiseville, west of Trois-Rivieres, Que. The Surete du Quebec has confirmed the identity of the officer, Sgt. Maureen Breau, who had been on the force for over 20 years.

Liberals to go after predatory lending in today's budget, invest in dental care plan
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to table a federal budget in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, which a federal source says will include plans to go after predatory lending and more details on dental care as part of a pitch to make life more affordable.
Walmart Canada CEO says retailer not trying to profit from inflation
Walmart Canada is not trying to profit from food inflation, president and CEO Gonzalo Gebara told a parliamentary committee studying the issue Monday evening.
Victims identified as police reveal Nashville school shooter had drawn maps, done surveillance
The suspect in a Nashville school shooting on Monday had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance before killing three students and three adults in the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country growing increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools.
Indigenous concert in Vancouver cancelled over questions about performer's identity claims
The Vancouver Park Board and Britannia Community Services Centre cancelled an event Sunday that had been advertised as part of an Indigenous concert series in Grandview Park.
How many COVID-19 vaccine doses should you have by now?
Here is a summary of the current COVID-19 vaccination guidelines from NACI, for both children and adults who are at increased risk of serious illness and those who are not.
From silicon to brain cells: How biology may hold the future of computers
As artificial intelligence software and advanced computers revolutionize modern technology, some researchers see a future where computer programmers leap from silicon to organic molecules.
5 things to know for Tuesday, March 28, 2023
A warning for consumers to expect to pay more next month for three key items, a reminder about COVID-19 booster shots, and police reveal what they know about a deadly shooting at a Nashville school. Here's what you need to know to start your day.
Hockey Canada says 2018 junior players ineligible for international competition
Hockey Canada says players from the 2018 world junior hockey team will not be considered for international competition until an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving members of the team is complete.