N.B.'s top doc concerned about number of unvaccinated people testing positive for COVID-19
For the second time since lifting the mandatory order and removing pandemic-related restrictions, New Brunswick has seen a double-digit rise in COVID-19 case counts over a two-day reporting period.
Nearly 30 cases have been identified as of Saturday, when the province moved into the green phase of its pandemic recovery, and the province's top doctor says the majority of recent cases are among those who are not fully protected.
"I am very concerned, in the sense that most of the cases since early July have been in people that have been unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated," says Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health.
As of Tuesday, 68.1 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, however the province had originally said that all restrictions would be lifted when that number had reached 75 per cent. The percentage of first-doses is now at 82.3 per cent.
"I'm hoping, the idea that we still have under 20 per cent that aren't vaccinated at all, that they will start to rethink that," says premier Blaine Higgs, speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon in Fredericton.
Amid climbing cases in the province and a long list of possible exposure notifications, Dr. Russell says they're following the situation very closely.
"These freedoms and this transition period is something we don't take lightly, we don't take for granted," says Dr. Russell.
"But the trade-off, was supposed to be that the population would get vaccinated at 75 per cent level with two doses at a minimum."
New Brunswick lifted its mandatory order at 11:59 p.m. on Friday night, marking an end to all COVID-related restrictions, however, some do continue to maintain mask wearing.
"I'm going to different stores and I'm surprised…how many people are still wearing a mask," says opposition health critic JC D'Amours.
"I think this is a good sign that there's many people that want to take an extra step to be safe and stay safe."
There are now 44 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
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.