New Brunswick

N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 16 new cases, pop-up vaccination clinic underway at Parlee Beach

As New Brunswick recorded 16 more COVID-19 cases on Friday, the province tried to boost vaccination numbers among young people with a pop-up vaccination clinic at Parlee Beach in Shediac.

74.5% of New Brunswickers age 12 or older are fully vaccinated, 84.1% have received at least one dose

People lined up as soon as the Parlee Beach pop up vaccination clinic opened Friday afternoon. All people required was identification to get their first or second dose of Pfizer vaccine. (Pierre Fournier/CBC)

Latest

  • Breakdown of new cases
  • Moderna approved for youth 12 to 17
  • Shediac jail outbreak increases to seven
  • UNB releases testing requirements
  • Another positive case at Listuguj First Nation
  • Positive case at Elsipogtog cancels powwow
  • New possible exposures
  • Atlantic COVID roundup
  • Previous exposure notices

As New Brunswick recorded 16 more COVID-19 cases on Friday, the province tried to boost vaccination numbers among young people with a pop-up vaccination clinic at Parlee Beach in Shediac.

The percentage of New Brunswickers age 12 to 19 who are fully vaccinated is 59.4 per cent, and 73.8 per cent have received at least one dose, Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said Thursday. 

Overall, a total of 74.5 per cent of New Brunswickers age 12 or older are now double-dosed, up from 74.2 per cent on Thursday, while 84.1 per cent of the eligible population have had at least their first shot, up from 84.

Of the new cases, 94 per cent are not fully vaccinated, Public Health said in a news release. Since July 1, 351 of the province's 389 cases — or 90 per cent — were not considered fully vaccinated, it said.

The Moncton region, Zone 1, has 11 of the new cases and 90 of the province's 160 active cases of COVID.

The Saint John region, Zone 2 and Fredericton region, Zone 3, each have one new case, while the other three cases are in the Edmundston region, Zone 4.

Most of New Brunswick's cases are the alpha variant first identified in the U.K., not the more contagious and severe delta variant, first identified in India, that is driving the fourth wave and the spike in cases across the country.

On Thursday, Public Health announced 13 of the cases in the Moncton region and one in the Fredericton region have been spread through community transmission, prompting Dr. Cristin Muecke, deputy chief medical officer of health, to recommend people wear masks in indoor public spaces.

Matt Forsythe decided to get his first dose of vaccine because of the increasing number of cases of COVID-19. He said it was his day off and the pop-up clinic was convenient. (Pierre Fournier/CBC)

Ambulance New Brunswick officials conducting Friday's clinic brought 300 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in a portable freezer, and operations manager Susan Dugas said they were "hoping to run out."

Matt Forsythe was one of the first people in line. He heard about the clinic on Thursday night and said he "decided it was time" to get his first dose because of the recent surge in new cases.

Patricia Phillips of Saint-Paul made the one-hour drive to get her first dose as well.

"I didn't want to get it, to be honest," she said. "I needed to get it."

Phillips is originally from Nova Scotia and said that with the new border restrictions imposed this week by Nova Scotia, she is getting the vaccine so she will be able to visit family without having to isolate.

"I have to go home and I have to see people and it is what it is. But it is very nice, especially outside. You're not stuffed in a stuffy clinic, and it seems less germy."

Patricia Phillips received her first vaccine dose at Friday's clinic. She said she didn't want to get the vaccine but finally did because she has family in Nova Scotia and wants to be able to visit them without having to isolate. (Pierre Fournier/CBC)

She said her boyfriend works outside the province and he needed to get vaccinated "in a hurry."

Michael Leger got his second vaccine at Friday's pop-up clinic. He said the voucher for free ice cream from the Euston Park canteen-restaurant at the beach, being offered to everyone who got their shot, was a nice touch, joking that he didn't get anything when he received his first vaccine at the Moncton Coliseum.

Walk-in clinics were also held Friday in Saint John, Rexton, Edmundston, Campbellton, and Bathurst.

Anyone age 12 or older is eligible to get a vaccine, including those who will turn 12 before the end of the year, and they can get their second shot 28 days after their first.

On Saturday, walk-in clinics will take place in the following communities:

  • Moncton, Moncton Coliseum, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Grand Falls, E&P Sénéchal Centre, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Fredericton, Brookside Clinic, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saint John, Exhibition Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Blackville, Blackville Village Hall, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A list of upcoming pop-up and walk-in clinics is available online.

People can also book an appointment online through a Horizon or Vitalité health network clinic or through a participating pharmacy.

They are asked to bring their Medicare card, a signed consent form and, for those receiving a second dose, a copy of the record of immunization they received after getting their first dose.

Breakdown of new cases

The 16 new cases confirmed on Friday break down this way:

Moncton region, Zone 1, 11 cases:

  • Two people 19 or under
  • A person 20 to 29
  • Two people 30 to 39
  • Two people 40 to 49
  • Two people 50 to 59
  • A person 60 to 69
  • A person 70 to 79

Six of these cases are contacts of a previously confirmed case, one is travel-related, and four are under investigation.

Saint John region, Zone 2, one case:

  • A person 20 to 29

This case is under investigation.

Fredericton region, Zone 3, one case:

  • A person 30 to 39

This case is travel-related.

Edmundston region, Zone 4, three cases:

  • Two people 19 or under
  • A person 40 to 49

One case is travel-related and the other two are under investigation.

The Campbellton region, Zone 5, continues to be the only one of seven health zones in the province with no active cases of COVID-19. (CBC)

Three people are hospitalized, down from four, with no one is in intensive care.

Since Thursday, 13 more people have recovered, for a total of 2,514 recoveries so far.

New Brunswick has had 2,721 confirmed cases of COVID since the pandemic began, and 46 COVID-related deaths.

A total of 406,176 tests have been conducted, including 1,425 on Thursday.

Moderna approved for youth 12 to 17

Health Canada has authorized the use of the Moderna vaccine in youth 12 to 17 years old.

Until Friday, Moderna was authorized for use only in people 18 and older.

"After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing #COVID19 in youth aged 12 to 17," the federal department announced on Twitter.

"Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada will continue to closely monitor the safety of the vaccine, and will take action if any safety concerns are identified," it tweeted.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been the only vaccine approved for use in children 12 and up in Canada.

Shediac jail outbreak increases to seven

The number of COVID-19 cases linked to an outbreak at the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre in Shediac has risen to seven, the Department of Justice and Public Safety said Friday.

One person has since recovered, said spokesperson Coreen Enos.

The outbreak at the jail was declared Monday after four cases had been confirmed in both staff and inmates. The first case was detected last Friday.

There were 144 inmates in custody that day, she said.

A total of 132 correctional officers work at the jail, along with "several other staff members" in administration, culinary and maintenance.

The infected inmates have been transferred to the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre, one of two jails the province had designated to hold COVID-positive inmates.

Staff continue to wear personal protective equipment and all new inmates are tested for COVID-19 before joining the general population, Enos said.

UNB releases testing requirements

The University of New Brunswick will require COVID-19 testing every three days for all unvaccinated students, staff and faculty engaging in in-person classes and on-campus activities, starting Sept. 8, president and vice-chancellor Paul Mazerolle announced Friday.

The tests will be provided at no cost, and "testing supports" will be put in place on both campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, as well as the Moncton site, he said.

"More details about the testing process, how to access the testing centres and how the policy applies to contractors, tenants and guests will be communicated to the university community soon," Mazerolle said in a statement.

People who provide proof of full vaccination will be exempt from the testing requirement. Full vaccination is attained 14 days after a person has received their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca-Oxford or 14 days after they've received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Requests for accommodations for those who are unable to participate in UNB's mandatory regular testing will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, said president and vice-chancellor Paul Mazerolle. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Members of the UNB community will be able to upload proof of vaccination through the UNBSafe.app. "Only essential personal information and vaccination status will be retained," the notice states.

Requests for accommodations for those who are unable to participate in mandatory regular testing will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

People applying for accommodation for medical reasons will be required to provide a note from their primary health-care provider.

"Accommodations on other grounds will require a written statement from the individual making the request," Mazerolle said.

"Vaccinations are the most effective way to keep ourselves and our community safe from the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Fully vaccinated individuals carry a lower risk of contracting the virus and spreading it to others," he said.

"We encourage all members of our community to take this step and help ensure a safe and healthy fall for our campuses, our communities and our province."

Another positive case at Listuguj First Nation

Another positive case of COVID-19 has been detected at Listuguj First Nation. The Listuguj Mi'gmaq government made the announcement on its website Friday.

People who have been in contact with the individual have been contact-traced and tested negative so far, according to the release.

On Aug. 17, the delta variant was confirmed in the Quebec community, located across from Campbellton, where elementary and high school students attend school.

Just four days earlier, the community suffered its first suspected COVD-related death. A person between the ages of 30 and 35 died.

"It is believed that this is a result of complications due to COVID-19," the government said at the time, adding the person was unvaccinated.

There were two active cases of COVID19 in Listuguj at that time.

"It is important to continue to maintain physical distancing, wear a face mask, wash your hands frequently, [practise] respiratory etiquette, and find an alternative greeting," the government said in the release Friday.

It will continue to monitor the situation and keep the community updated, it added.

Positive case at Elsipogtog cancels powwow

A positive case of COVID-19 at Elsipogtog First Nation has prompted officials to cancel the 31st annual powwow, scheduled for Sept. 3-5.

The announcement was posted on the event's Facebook page Thursday.

"I regret to inform you all that Elsipogtog Powwow 2021 has officially been cancelled due to positive COVID-19 case in Elsipogtog," the post said. "Stay safe. Mask up."

It comes after the chief and council and Elsipogtog COVID response team advised the community they were "unofficially notified" of the positive case by the person who tested positive.

"This person has been double vaccinated and preliminary information suggests risk to the community with regards to spread is minimal at this point," a post on the band's Facebook page Thursday morning states.

The Elsipogtog Health & Wellness Centre is providing support to the individual and was to begin contact tracing "immediately," according to the post.

New Brunswick's provincial rapid outbreak management team, known as PROMT, would also be setting up a mobile rapid test site in the community "very shortly."

"Although a positive case is unfortunate, it was not unexpected," the post says. "Rest assured, that the Elsipogtog Chief & Council, the Elsipogtog Health & Wellness Centre and the Elsipogtog COVID Response Team have been prepared for a community positive case for some time and will be responding accordingly."

It is of the utmost importance for community members to avoid gossiping, [shaming] and/or bullying, as nobody intentionally acquires COVID 19.- Elsipogtog chief and council

In an update Thursday night, the chief and council said some of the measures being implemented include:

  • All public buildings are closed Friday to allow for detailed cleaning/sanitization.
  • The Elsipogtog COVID-19 security gates have been reactivated for a minimum of two weeks.
  • The COVID response team has recommended the River of Fire Market and all small businesses resume strict health and safety guidelines, and ramp up sanitization/cleaning efforts.

A significant portion of Elsipogtog has already been vaccinated, which has minimized the overall risk to the community, but anyone who hasn't received their shots yet is urged to do so "as soon as possible."

The chief and council reminded community members to maintain physical distancing of two metres, to wear a mask "where required," to wash/sanitize their hands often, to avoid touching their faces, to avoid unnecessary travel, and to stay home and seek testing if they're not feeling well.

"Make responsible decisions and when in doubt err on the side of safety," the post says.

"In addition, it is of the utmost importance for community members to avoid gossiping, [shaming] and/or bullying, as nobody intentionally acquires COVID 19."

New possible exposures

Public Health has identified a new place in New Brunswick where people may have been exposed to the coronavirus:

Moncton region, Zone 1:

  • Aug.22 between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Dixie Lee Family Restaurant, 9369 Main St., Richibucto
  • Aug. 22 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. – St. James' Gate, 200 Golf St., Dieppe
  • Aug. 20 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Costco Wholesale Moncton, 140 Granite Dr., Moncton
  • Aug. 20 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Guy's Frenchys, 1567 Mountain Rd., Moncton

Edmundston region, Zone 4:

  • Between Aug. 20 and Aug. 27 – Camping St-Léonard, 470 Route 17, St Léonard
  • Between Aug. 20 and Aug. 27 – Pinky's Roadside Diner, 470 Route 17, St Léonard

Bathurst region, Zone 6:

  • Aug. 18 and 19 – Camping et Aquaparc de la Rivière Tracadie, 3205 Alcide Rd., Tracadie

Public Health recommends that people who have been at a possible public exposure site and are not fully vaccinated get a COVID test, said Department of Health spokesperson Gail Harding. They can book an appointment online or call Tele-Care 811.

For people who are fully vaccinated, Public Health recommends they monitor for symptoms and get a COVID test if symptoms develop.

Anyone who frequented the locations at the specified dates and times should also avoid visiting settings with vulnerable populations such as nursing homes, correctional facilities, and shelters for the next 14 days.

Atlantic COVID roundup

Nova Scotia confirmed nine new cases of COVD-19 on Friday, bringing the province's active case count to 55.

Newfoundland and Labrador has seven new cases and 14 active cases. 

Prince Edward Island reported five new cases related to travel and now has eight active cases.

Previous exposure notices

Public Health has identified a positive case of COVID-19 in a person who may have been infectious while on the following flights:

  • Aug. 19 – Air Canada Flight 7548 – from Toronto to Fredericton
  • Aug. 19 – Air Canada Flight 8902 – from Montreal to Moncton, departed at 1:38 p.m.
  • Aug. 17 – Air Canada Flight 8902 – from Montreal to Moncton
  • Aug. 17 – Air Canada Flight 8506 – from Montreal to Fredericton, departed 7:45 p.m.
  • Aug. 13 – Air Canada Flight 8946 – from Toronto to Moncton, departed at 10:04 p.m.
  • Aug. 11 – Air Canada Flight 8773 – from Montreal to Saint John, which departed at 9:14 a.m.

Public Health has also identified places in New Brunswick where people may have been exposed to the coronavirus during the past two weeks.

Moncton region:

  • Aug.24 between 5:47 p.m. and 3:52 a.m. – Moncton City Hospital Emergency Room, 135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton
  • Aug. 20 between 10:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. – Casino NB, 21 Casino Dr., Moncton
  • Aug. 20 between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. – Pump House Restaurant, 51 Orange Lane, Moncton
  • Aug. 14 between 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., Aug. 15 between 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., Aug. 17 between noon and 1 p.m., Aug.18 between noon and 1 p.m. and Aug. 19 between noon and 1 p.m. – Route 51 Green Line and Route 62 Hildegard Codiac Transpo, 140 Millennium Blvd., Moncton
  • Aug. 18 between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. – Igloo Bar, 300 Elmwood Dr., Moncton
  • Aug.18 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Aug, 16 between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., Aug. 13 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Aug. 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Aug. 10 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - Crowne Plaza Moncton, 1005 Main St., Moncton
  • Aug. 17 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. – Tide and Boar Brewing, 1355 Main St., Moncton
  • Aug. 16 between 5 and 7 p.m. – Boathouse Restaurant, 8588 Main St., Alma
  • Aug. 16 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Burger King, 465 Paul St., Dieppe
  • Aug. 16 between 12 p.m and 7 p.m – Magic Mountain Water Park, 2875 Mountain Rd., Moncton
  • Aug. 15 between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. – Jean's Restaurant, 1999 Mountain Rd., Moncton
  • Aug. 14 between 2 and 3 p.m. – Champlain Mall Food Court, 477 Paul St., Dieppe
  • Aug. 13 between 9 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. – Wise Guyz Pub, 176 Robinson St., Moncton
  • Aug. 13 between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. – Ioob Lounge Ltd., 127 Robinson St., Moncton
  • Aug. 11 – Groupe- Support Emotionnel, 96 Norwood Ave., Suite 300A, Moncton
  • Aug. 14 between 2 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.  – Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre emergency room, 330 Université Ave., Moncton
  • Aug. 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. – Action Car and Truck Accessories, 200 Horsman Rd., Moncton
  • Aug. 9, 10, and 13 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Deware's Service Centre, 402 Elmwood Dr., Moncton
  • Aug. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Oulton College, 55 Lutz St.
  • Aug. 12 between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. – St. Louis Bar & Grill, 1405 Mountain Rd.
  • Aug. 12 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – H&M, 477 Paul St., Dieppe
  • Aug. 12 between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Our Place, 97 Cameron St., Moncton
  • Aug. 9, 10, 11, and 12 between 6:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Hillsborough Irving, 2799 Main St., Hillsborough
  • Aug. 11 between 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. – Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre diagnostic imaging waiting room, 330 University Ave.
  • Aug.11 between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – New Life Pentecostal Church, 65 Dawson Rd., Weldon
  • Aug. 11 between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Costco, 140 Granite Dr., Moncton
  • Aug. 9, 10, and 11 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – Corn Crib, 337 Mountain Dr., Moncton
  • Aug. 11 between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. – Ioob Lounge Ltd., 127 Robinson St., Moncton
  • Aug. 10 between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. – Chris Rock Tavern, 48 Albert St.
  • Aug. 9 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Champlain Place, 477 Paul St., Dieppe
  • Aug. 9 between  noon and 1 p.m. – Pür & Simple Champlain Place, 477 Paul St., Dieppe
  • Aug. 7 between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish, 11 St. Andrews Rd., Pointe-du-Chêne

The province also shared possible sites of COVID-19 exposure in the Saint John, Fredericton, and Miramichi regions

Saint John region, Zone 2:

  • Aug. 17 and 18 – Fairway Inn and JJ's Diner, 216 Roachville Rd., Sussex
  • Aug. 17 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.– On the Vine Produce, 1350 Hickey Rd., Saint John
  • Aug. 17 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.– Greco, 1350 Hickey Rd., Saint John
  • Aug. 16 between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Gateway Mall, 138 Main St., Sussex
  • Aug. 15 between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.– Costco Wholesale Saint John, 300 Retail Dr., Saint John
  • Aug. 14 between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - MasterMind Toys, 70 Consumers Dr., Saint John
  • Aug. 13 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. - Pet Valu, 30 Plaza Ave., Saint John

Fredericton region, Zone 3:

  • Aug. 20 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Ayr Motor Centre, 105 Connell Park Rd., Woodstock
  • Aug. 19 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Ayr Motor Centre, 105 Connell Park Rd., Woodstock
  • Aug. 19 between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. – Fredericton International Airport, arrivals area, 2570 Route 102 Highway, Lincoln
  • Aug. 18 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. – Carleton County Court House, 19 Court St., Upper Woodstock
  • Aug. 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Springhill Infrastructure Asphalt, 940 Springhill Rd., Fredericton
  • Aug. 15 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – Grand Falls Cataracts, Baseball Diamond between Chapel Rd and Victoria Rd, Grand Falls
  • Aug. 12 between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. – Sobeys, 1180 Prospect St., Fredericton
  • Aug. 12 between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Costco Gas Bar and Costco Store, 25 Wayne Squibb Blvd., Fredericton
  • Aug. 11 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Aug. 12 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore, 350 Connell St., Woodstock
  • Aug. 11 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. – McDonald's in Walmart, 1381 Regent St., Fredericton
  • Aug. 10 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Coast Tire, 283 Connell St., Woodstock

Bathurst region, Zone 6:

  • Aug. 21 between midnight and 3 a.m. – Party à la Youpi with DJ Saulnier, Army Camp, Leech
  • Aug. 18 between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Nigadoo Falls Trail, Nigadoo
  • Aug. 16 between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. – La Trappe, Vieux Couvent, Caraquet
  • Aug. 15 between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – La Brôkerie, 39 du Carr Ave., Caraquet

Miramichi region, Zone 7:

  • Aug. 22 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – Gallan's Miramichi River Tubing, 48 Kersey Lane, Doyles Brook
  • Aug. 19 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Sailor and Jane Eatery, 1 Jane St., Miramichi
  • Aug. 19 between 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Jean Coutu Pharmacy, 4 Johnson Ave., Miramichi
  • Aug. 19 between 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Gallan's Miramichi River Tubing, 48 Kersey Lane, Doyles Brook
  • Aug. 12 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. – Walmart, 200 Douglastown Blvd., Miramichi

The full list of possible exposures is updated regularly and is available on the government's website.

What to do if you have a symptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 can take a self-assessment test online.

Public Health says symptoms of the illness have included a fever above 38 C, a new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, a new onset of fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.

People with one of those symptoms should stay at home, call 811 or their doctor and follow instructions.

With files from Shane Magee and Vanessa Blanch