New Brunswickers respond to call for help with province's pandemic response
The New Brunswick government issued an urgent call for volunteers Tuesday and, in less than 24 hours, more than 1,600 residents responded to the plea for help with the province’s pandemic response.
“We are encouraged to see so many New Brunswickers step up and answer our call in one day,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard.
“Please pass along the word to neighbours, family members and friends to see if they can also give us a helping hand in this fight against the Omicron variant.”
The province is looking to fill both clinical and non-clinical positions.
The clinical work includes:
- administering vaccinations
- COVID-19 testing
- patient services
- personal support work
The non-clinical work includes:
- clerical support
- office administration
- logistical support
- data entry
- customer service
- food preparation and delivery
Those interested in volunteering are asked to complete an online form. Each volunteer will be contacted, but priority will be given to people who can fill areas of highest need.
VACCINATIONS
Since Jan. 10, more than 38,000 appointments have been booked with the regional health authorities for booster doses of an mRNA vaccine. The health authorities have more than 30,000 appointments available between now and Jan. 31. In addition, pharmacies have received nearly 44,000 doses for their COVID-19 clinics.
Fifty-seven per cent of New Brunswickers 50 and over have received a booster; the number increases to 68 per cent among those 60 and over.
Children aged five to 11, who have already received their first dose of the vaccine, will soon be eligible to receive their second dose once eight weeks have passed since their first dose.
To date, 52.6 per cent of children in this age group have received their first dose, leaving about 25,000 children who have not.
HOSPITALIZATIONS
The province announced an additional four COVID-19 related deaths Wednesday. The deaths involved:
- a person in their 70s in Zone 1 (Moncton region)
- a person in their 60s in Zone 3 (Fredericton region)
- a person in their 70s in Zone 4 (Edmundston region)
- a person 90 and over in Zone 4 (Edmundston region)
According to public health, 123 people are in hospital with COVID-19 Wednesday, 11 of whom are intensive care. Of those currently hospitalized, 67 were admitted for reasons other than COVID-19.
Of those in hospital:
- 55 per cent of the 11 patients in intensive care are either unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or it has been more than six months since their second dose.
- 98 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are 60 or older
- six people are on a ventilator
- four people 19 or under are hospitalized
The seven-day rolling average of hospitalizations is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.
Public health says there are currently 342 health-care workers who have tested positive for the virus and are isolating.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.