HALIFAX -- There are no new cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick for the sixth time in the last 10 days.
"We have had just four new cases in the last week," Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, said Monday at a news conference in Fredericton.
The total remains at 118 and 98 of the people have recovered, but there are still 20 active cases.
Dr. Russell said 13 people have been hospitalized and eight have since been discharged. Two of the five patients remaining in hospital are in an intensive care unit.
"Please keep them in your thoughts," said Dr. Russell.
The province has tested 10,970 for COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Of the 118 confirmed cases, 66 are travel-related, 42 are close contacts of confirmed cases and 10 are the result of community transmission. There are no cases under investigation.
Dr. Russell said despite the good news, it's too early to ease restrictions.
"We are not done with COVID-19 and COVID-19 is not done with us," said Dr. Russell. "Make no mistake – this pandemic is not over, in this province or anywhere else in the world. We must remain on our guard and keep doing what has gotten us to this stage. That means continuing to stay at home, in your own home, as much as possible."
Premier Blaine Higgs praised New Brunswickers for their role in limiting the number of cases of COVID-19.
“Because you paid attention and put the health and safety of your fellow New Brunswickers first, we have been able to slow the virus’s spread,” said Higgs. “We have been fortunate in New Brunswick, but we must not take this for granted. We must continue to follow the directives of Public Health.”
Advisory for people who have travelled
Dr. Russell mentioned a COVID-19 outbreak at an oil sands work site at Kearl Lake, Alta., north of Fort McMurray, which has been linked to cases in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
She said workers took the virus home with them and since many New Brunwickers work in Alberta, he gave some advice to any who have been to Kearl Lake recently, or have been in close contact with anyone who has.
Dr. Russell said they should self-isolate for 14 days and call 811 for guidance.
“Even if you feel well and are showing no symptoms, you may still be carrying the virus and may infect others around you,” said Dr. Russell.
This is a developing story. It will be updated.