N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 86 new cases, some positive cases may avoid isolation, Higgs says

New Brunswick reported 86 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, the highest one-day total since the pandemic began.

Forty-one people are now in hospital, up from 33 on Sunday, including 16 in intensive care. None of them are under the age of 19, Public Health said in a news release.

There are now 650 active cases of COVID across the province.

Premier Blaine Higgs says he expects similar numbers for about a week, but mused Monday about allowing some people who test positive to avoid self-isolation, if they're fully vaccinated.

He also suggested the province may move toward more rapid testing in the weeks ahead.

"There's a way to manage this brand of COVID with vaccinations and testing that is different than before," he said.

"So not everyone has to rush and isolate just because they test positive. And that's where we're working to get, and be able to provide clarity to that in the next day or two."

Higgs said the province has to find ways to live with COVID-19, knowing "there's a good 10 per cent" of the population who won't get vaccinated.

That includes finding ways to keep people at work, even if contact tracers determine they've been exposed to a positive case.

Even if you test positive, then you're fully vaccinated, you're not sick. So you may be able to keep working in certain conditions, but be protecting yourself and others in doing that.- Blaine Higgs, premier

He believes rapid testing can help.

"If they're fully vaccinated, that doesn't mean they have to go home. You'd be able to test and then say, 'OK, well, ...  I'm not testing positive, so I'm good, I keep working.'

"But then even if you test positive, then you're fully vaccinated, you're not sick. So you may be able to keep working in certain conditions, but be protecting yourself and others in doing that."

Higgs said someone 19 or under could test positive without even realizing they have COVID. "And it's not a big issue other than, you know, you might transmit to someone else. But if that someone else is vaccinated, then that isn't a problem either in, you know, 98 per cent of the cases."

The Department of Health did not respond to a request for comment.

'Very dangerous policy'

Rod Russell, a professor of immunology and infectious diseases with Memorial University in Newfoundland, contends it would be a "very dangerous policy" to tell people who test positive that they may not have to isolate.

A positive test is not a black and white binary issue, he said. Someone can test positive early and be about to become very symptomatic or test positive late and be almost recovered.

"You may not be infectious at all to somebody who's vaccinated, you may not be infectious at all to anybody if you have really, really have mild cases. But the point is, you don't know.

"So anybody who tests positive should always isolate, in my opinion. At least until you see, you know, if you're going to have symptoms because we know that the more symptoms you have, the more chance you have of spreading the disease."

Even then, no one knows whether they could spread the virus to somebody else, said Russell.

Everyone has a different level of susceptibility based on numerous factors, such as their age, vaccine status, and how long ago they got their vaccine.

"A healthy looking 20-year-old could have a severe immunodeficiency and nobody would know that."

Russell says he can see partly why the premier might want to move in that direction due to the false positives sometimes associated with rapid tests and not wanting people to have to isolate for days until they can get a follow-up PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to confirm.

"But again, you're not going to know you have a false positive. A positive has to be treated as a positive, and everybody has to do the same thing."

Russell believes the policy would lead to clusters and outbreaks and worst case, would bring the virus to more vulnerable groups who are at risk of dying.

He "can't imagine" New Brunswick will come out with such a policy.

"There has to be a line and positive test has to be that line," he said.

Some people tell CBC they've had to miss several days of work while waiting for test results and not everyone has paid sick leave. They say it could deter some people from getting tested and isolating while awaiting their results.

Higgs acknowledged the backlog is an issue. "We have to be able to test quickly."

Rapid COVID-19 test results can take as little as 15 minutes, while PCR test results usually take at least  24 to 48 hours.

Free self-screening rapid test kits are currently available to small- and medium-size businesses and organizations through the chambers of commerce as part of a national program.

The goal is to proactively identify asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic workers and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces and communities.

Larger employers, with more than 300 employees, can apply for rapid test kits on the province's website.

Testing kits are also available to certain workplaces under the point of care testing program.

Higgs said the province has "thousands" of kits and suggested their use could become more widespread, in schools and other areas.

"I think we can start to move in that direction so it gives people more flexibility to determine their health and not lose time."

The province will provide more details on its website about how the kits will be made available, he said.

On Friday, when asked whether the province will use rapid test kits for schools, daycares or nursing homes, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell said it was "sticking with" its roll out through the chambers of commerce.

"Can we move to something different in the future? We can definitely have conversations about that. But right now we're not using those rapid tests widely in all those different settings, just in that business settings right now."

The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests administered by Public Health remain the "primary mode" of testing for many reasons, she said.

They are considered the gold standard in diagnostic testing because of their accuracy. 

"But certainly we can still continue to have discussions around a further evolution of our testing."

Nova Scotia is looking for volunteers to help assemble 300,000 take-home rapid COVID-19 testing kits over the coming weeks to deal with an expected increase in testing needs.

The province is expected to reach the final phase of its reopening plan on Oct. 4, when gathering limits and the requirement to wear masks and maintain physical distancing in indoor public spaces will be lifted.

Only symptomatic, contacts should seek tests

As the province struggles to deal with a backlog of COVID-19 tests, it's requesting only people with symptoms or those identified as a contact of a case get tested, and advising those who need a test for travel-related reasons to use private service providers. 

The recent surge in COVID-19 cases is causing delays at assessment centres across the province and leading to "longer-than-anticipated" wait times for appointments and test results, Public Health said in a news release Monday.

Testing is conducted on a priority basis, with those who have symptoms tested first, said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.

"So if you do not have symptoms or are not identified as a contact of a case, please self-monitor and only request a test if you are symptomatic," she said in a statement.

Anyone requiring a test for travel-related purposes is encouraged to review the COVID-19 testing requirements in other jurisdictions and plan accordingly, "which could include seeking testing through private service providers."

"Due to the high volume of tests for health needs, we are not able to expedite travel-related tests in the current testing regime," Russell said.

Public Health staff being asked to falsify vaccination documentation

Public Health staff are being asked to falsify vaccination documentation, according to the Horizon Health Network.

"It has come to our attention that Public Health staff are being approached by members of the public who are requesting they falsify their vaccination record," the regional health authority said in a news release Monday.

"This is concerning and Public Health staff will not oblige, as this is a crime," it said.

Horizon asks the public not to contact its staff with a request to produce false medical records.

Outbreak at Moncton Hospital geriatric unit

There is a COVID-19 outbreak at the geriatric unit of the Moncton Hospital, Unit 5200, and all visits are suspended until further notice, the Horizon Health Network announced on Monday.

Public Health did not mention the outbreak in its news release Monday.

Hospital staff are following enhanced infection prevention guidelines and patients are restricted to their rooms, according to the Horizon release.

No patients will be admitted or transferred during this time, it said.

The designated support person program for the geriatric unit is also suspended.

"These temporary measures are in place to ensure the health and safety of our patients and clients, staff, physicians, and communities," the release said.

Closure of labour and birth unit continues

The closure of the labour and birth unit at the Upper River Valley Hospital to make room for COVID-19 patients will continue until Oct. 4 at 7 a.m., the Horizon Health Network announced Monday.

All pregnant women who would normally deliver their babies at the Upper River Valley Hospital will have to travel to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton instead.

Expectant mothers who are 35 weeks pregnant or more have been contacted by nursing staff, according to a news release.

The temporary closure was announced Friday. Horizon said it was required to adjust staffing to provide care for COVID-19 patients.

"Horizon understands this change may be concerning to families that are expecting," the release said. "Please be assured all mothers and babies will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility."

Cases in more schools, child-care facilities

A positive case of COVID-19 case has been confirmed at Liverpool Street Elementary School, according to a notice sent home to parents and guardians by the Anglophone West School District Monday night.

Tuesday will be a distance learning day for all students, said superintendent David McTimoney.

Anyone identified as a close contact and required to self-isolate will get a letter from Public Health with specific instructions on what to do next, he advised

Students should plan to return to school Wednesday, McTimoney said.

More positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in several schools and child-care facilities in two health zones since Friday, Public Health announced Monday.

In the Moncton region, Zone 1, positive cases were confirmed at Hillcrest School in Moncton and at École Donat-Robichaud in Cap-Pelé. The number of cases has not been provided and the release does not indicate if the cases involve students, teachers or other staff.

Additional cases have also been confirmed at the following previously impacted schools: Port Elgin School; Shediac Cape School; École Anna-Malenfant in Dieppe; and Birchmount School in Moncton. The number and breakdown of cases has not been provided.

A new positive case of COVID-19 has also been confirmed at the daycare Centre éducatif Le Platinum in Dieppe, which was previously impacted.

In the Edmundston region, Zone 4, positive cases were confirmed at Polyvalente Thomas-Albert in Grand Falls. The number and breakdown was not provided.

A new positive case was confirmed at École Mgr-Martin in Saint-Quentin, which was previously impacted.

New positive cases were also confirmed at Valley View Kids Care in Grand Falls, which was previously impacted.

People who have been in close contact with a case will be notified directly by Public Health or the school or facility for contact tracing, according to a news release.

Under New Brunswick's Healthy and Safe Schools guidelines, schools with cases will close or move to online learning for at least one calendar day to support contact tracing, risk assessments and operational responses.

Proof of vaccination required for salons

The Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick says it has received clarification from the province on the new COVID-19 measures and salons must require proof of vaccination.

It became mandatory last Wednesday for all New Brunswickers 12 and older to show proof they are fully vaccinated to enter a number of non-essential businesses, services and events.

Although cosmetology establishments were not initially required to ask for proof, it is now required, according to a notice the association sent to salons Monday.

Staff must also be vaccinated or be masked and tested regularly. "Twice a week would be recommended," the notice states, "then salons can continue to operate at capacity."

All other staff and clients must also be masked.

Breakdown of new cases

Of the new 86 new cases or COVID-19 confirmed Monday, 67— or 78 per cent — are not fully vaccinated, according to a news release from Public Health.

It does not say how many are under 12 and too young to be vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated for medical or other reasons.

Here is a breakdown of the new cases:

Moncton region, Zone 1, 33 cases:

• Nine people 19 or under
• Five people 20 to 29
• Seven people 30 to 39
• Two people 40 to 49
• Four people 50 to 59
• Two people 60 to 69
• Two people 80 to 89
• Two people 90 or over

Twenty-three of these cases are under investigation and 10 are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

Saint John region, Zone 2, six cases

• Two people 19 or under
• A person 30 to 39
• A person 40 to 49
• Two people 50 to 59

Four of these cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and two are under investigation.

Fredericton region, Zone 3, 12 cases:

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

Eight of these cases are under investigation, three are contacts of previously confirmed cases, and one is travel-related.

Edmundston region, Zone 4, 23 cases:

• Nine people 19 or under
• Two people 20 to 29
• Four people 30 to 39
• Five people 40 to 49
• Three people 60 to 69

Fourteen of these cases are under investigation and nine are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

Campbellton region, Zone 5, nine cases:

• Four people 19 or under
• Three people 20 to 29
• Two people 30 to 39

Five of these cases are under investigation and four are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

Bathurst region, Zone 6, three cases:

• Two people 30 to 39
• A person 50 to 59

Two of these cases are under investigation and one is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

A total of 79.3 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 or older are now fully vaccinated, up from 79.2 per cent on Sunday, while 88.1 per cent have received at least one dose, up from 88.

New Brunswick has had 3,936 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, with 3,231 recoveries so far and 54 COVID-related deaths.

A total of 455,500 tests have been conducted to date, including 2,003 on Sunday.

Restrictions lifted at Campbellton Regional Hospital

Visits are again permitted on the transitional care unit of the Campbellton Regional Hospital, the Vitalité Health Network announced Monday.

Visits have been suspended on the unit since Sept. 13, due to a possible exposure to the coronavirus.

"Vitalité apologizes for any inconvenience this situation may have caused," it said in a statement.

New public exposure notices

Public Health has identified new places where people may have been exposed to the coronavirus over the past two weeks.

Moncton region, Zone 1

• Sept. 20 and Sept. 24 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. – Route 16 Diner (4335 Route 16, Malden)
• Sept. 19 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – TH Sports Group, Sports Complex (184 Barker St., Moncton)
• Sept. 16 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Sephora (477 Paul St., Dieppe)
• Sept. 16 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – H&M (477 Paul St., Dieppe)
• Sept. 16 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Arbys (1029 Mountain Rd., Moncton)

Saint John region, Zone 2

• Sept. 20 between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Holy Rosary Catholic Church (5 Rose St., St. Stephen)

Fredericton region, Zone 3

• Sept. 26 between 10 a.m. and noon – Truth Temple Inc (2930 Williamstown Rd., Centreville)
• Sept. 23 and 24 – Days Inn Hotel (60 Brayson Blvd., Oromocto)
• Sept. 23 – Corrective Health Services (435 Brookside Dr., Fredericton)
• Sept. 22 and 23 between 8 a.m. and noon – Gateway Dental Centre (22 Commerce Dr., Oromocto)
• September 16 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Vaccination clinic Perth Andover Baptist Church (194 Barrett St., Perth-Andover)

Edmundston region, Zone 4

• Sept. 22 between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Bonichoix (4 Camille St., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 20 between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Léopold Roy House (212 Canada St., Saint Quentin)
• Sept. 20 between noon and 1 p.m. – Burger King (100 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls
• Sept. 20 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Hilltop (131 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 20 between noon and 1 p.m. – Bonichoix (4 Camille St., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 20 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 20 between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Voting station Eglise St. Jacques (6 Ecole St., Edmundston)
• Sept. 19 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 19 between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Toner Food Master (328 Tobique Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 9 a.m. and noon – Final Cuts (275 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 11:30 a.m. and noon – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)

Campbellton region, Zone 5

• Sept. 22, 25, and 26 – Pseudio Boutique (312 Val D'Amour Rd., Campbellton)
• Sept. 22 between 11:05 a.m. and noon – Vaccine Clinic, Campbellton Regional Hospital (189 Lily Lake Rd., Campbellton)
• Sept. 22 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. – Dooly's (81 E Roseberry St., Campbellton)
• Sept. 21 between 6 p.m. and midnight – Dooly's (81 E Roseberry St., Campbellton)

Public Health recommends that people who have been at a possible public exposure site and are not fully vaccinated get a COVID test, even if they don't have symptoms. They can book an appointment online or call Tele-Care 811.

If they do have symptoms, they must isolate while they await their results.

For people who are fully vaccinated, Public Health recommends they monitor for symptoms for 14 days after the possible exposure 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 reported another COVID-related death Monday, the province's 96th since the start of the pandemic, and a three-day total of 83 new cases of COVID. The province's total active case count is 205.

Newfoundland and Labrador reported its eighth death related to the virus Monday and 25 new cases. The province has 155 active cases.

Prince Edward Island reported one new case over the weekend and has 40 active cases.

Previous exposure notices

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

• Sept. 21 – Air Canada Flight 8942 – from Toronto to Moncton departed at 7:55 a.m.
• Sept. 19 – Air Canada Flight 8790 – from Montreal to Saint John departed at 7:56 p.m.
• Sept. 18 – Flair Airlines Flight 8137 – from Toronto to Saint John departed at 7:12 a.m.
• Sept, 16 – Air Canada Flight 8512 – from Montreal to Bathurst departed at 4:50 p.m.
• Sept.14 – Air Canada Flight 8502 – from Montreal to Fredericton departed at 1:25 p.m.

Public Health has also identified other places in the province where people may have been exposed to the virus over the past two weeks.

Moncton region, Zone 1

• Sept. 21 and Sept. 20 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. – Moncton Hospital obstetrics unit (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Sept. 19 between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. – Tandoori Zaika (196 Robinson St., Moncton)
• Sept. 19 between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Tim Hortons (151 Horseman Rd., Moncton)
• Sept. 19 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre radiology department (330 Université Ave, Moncton)
• Sept. 18 between 4 p.m. to midnight – Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre radiology department (330 Université Ave, Moncton)
• Sept. 18 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Magnetic Hill Winery (860 Front Mountain Rd., Moncton)
• Sept. 18 between 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. – St. James' Gate (14 Church St., Moncton)
• Sept. 18 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. – East Coast Amusements of New Brunswick (377 Killam Dr., Moncton)
• Sept. 17 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Sephora (477 Paul St., Dieppe)
• Sept. 17 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – H&M (477 Paul St., Dieppe)
• Sept. 17 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. – East Side Mario's (99 Trinity Dr., Moncton)
• Sept. 17 between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Superior Propane Centre (Rink D) (55 Russ Howard Dr., Moncton)
• Sept. 17 between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Moxies Grill and Bar (10 Wyse St., Moncton)
• Sept. 17 between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Costco (140 Granite Dr., Moncton)
• Sept. 16 and 17 between 8 p.m. and 4 p.m. – Moncton Hospital emergency department (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Sept. 13, 14, and 15 between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Moncton Hospital post-anesthetic care unit (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Sept. 13 between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.– Miss Cue (459 Mountain Rd., Moncton)
• Sept. 12 between noon and 2 p.m. – Centennial Park playground (811 St. George Blvd., Moncton)

Saint John region, Zone 2:

• Sept. 21 between noon and 3 p.m. – The S. O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home (23 Main St., St. Stephen)
• Sept. 18 between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore (44 Lower Cove Rd., Sussex)
• Sept. 18 between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Spuds N Things (677 Main St., Hampton)
• Sept. 18 between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Hampton Your Independent Grocer (454 Main St. Unit 15, Hampton)
• Sept. 17 between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – Gahan House Restaurant (87, Prince William St., Saint John)
• Sept. 17 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Taste and See (609 Main St., Sussex)
• Sept. 17 between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Royal King – Taste of India (165 Union St., Saint John)
• Sept. 15 between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Wendy's (158 Main St. W, Saint John)
• Sept. 15 between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – A&W (131 McAllister Dr., Saint John)
• Sept. 13 between 4:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. – Tim Hortons (131 King St., St. Stephen)
• Sept. 12 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Kennedy Inn Restaurant (218 Water St., Saint Andrews)
• Sept. 12 between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. – Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church (488 Main St., Sussex)

Fredericton region, Zone 3:

• Sept. 19 between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Subway (18 F. Tribe Rd. Unit 3, Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 18 between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.- Sobeys (1180 Prospect St., Fredericton)
• Sept. 18 between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.- Global Pet Foods (1055 Prospect St., Fredericton)
• Sept. 17 between 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. – Jean Coutu (598 Union St., Fredericton)
• Sept. 16 between noon and 2 p.m. – GoodLife Fitness (435 Brookside Dr., Fredericton)
• Sept. 16 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. – Jean Coutu (598 Union St., Fredericton)
• Sept. 16 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Walmart (430 Connell Rd., Woodstock)
• Sept. 16 between 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Subway (18 F. Tribe Rd. Unit 3, Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 15 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Montana's (6 Trinity Dr., Fredericton)
• Sept. 15 between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Montana's (6 Trinity Ave., Fredericton)
• Sept. 15 between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. – All Aboard Ultramar (318 Main St., Bath)
• Sept. 15 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – GoodLife Fitness (435 Brookside Dr., Fredericton)
• Sept. 15 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Walmart (125 Two Nations Crossing, Fredericton)
• Sept. 15, 16, and 17– Scott's Your Independent Grocer (24 Columbus St., Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 14 between noon and 5:00 p.m. – Lewis Pharmacy (14 F. Tribe Rd. Unit 3, Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 14 and 15 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Carl's Dairy Bar (1301 W. Riverside Dr., Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 14 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. – GoodLife Fitness (435 Brookside Dr., Fredericton)
• Sept. 13, 14, and 15 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Full Body Fitness (800 St. Marys St., Fredericton)
• Sept. 13 between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Scott's Your Independent Grocer (24 Columbus St., Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 13 between noon and 6 p.m. – Scott's Your Independent Grocer (24 Columbus St., Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 13 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Tim Hortons (22 F. Tribe Rd., Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 13 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Gorey Auto Repair (9799 Route 105, Beechwood)
• Sept. 12 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – JP's Restaurant (5295 Route 560, Riviere de Chute)
• Sept. 12 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Ripples Pentecostal Church (548 Route 670, Ripples)
• Sept.12 between 10 a.m. and noon and between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Calvary Tabernacle (12 Legion St., Perth-Andover)
• Sept. 12 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Scott's Your Independent Grocer (24 Columbus St., Perth-Andover)

Edmundston Region, Zone 4:

• Sept. 22 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. – McDonald's (230 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 21 between 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. – McDonald's (230 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 20 between 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. – McDonald's (230 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 20 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Pizza Delight (462 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 20 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Bonichoix (4 Camille St., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 20 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 20 between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Voting station Salle des Citoyens (4 St. Jean St., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 20 between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. – Marché Bonichoix D. Poitras (746 Main St., Saint Leonard)
• Sept. 19 between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. – Tim Hortons (54 Canada St., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 19 between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 19 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 19 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Giant Tiger (200 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 19 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 19 between 10 a.m. and noon – Shoppers Drug Mart (180 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 19 between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Pizza Delight (462 Madawaska Road, Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. – Tim Hortons (54 Canada St., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 18 between 5 p.m and 5:30 p.m. – Greco (77 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 4:30 p.m and 5:30 p.m. – Restaurant Le Patrimoine (115 Rivière à la Truite St., Edmundston)
• Sept. 18 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (344 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Sept. 18 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Subway (360 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Sept. 18 between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Boston Pizza (164 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Sept. 18 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Hart (180 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Sept. 18 between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Paradis des Bonbons (180 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Sept. 18 between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Marché Bonichoix – J.M. & C. Dugas (4 Saint Camille Rd., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 18 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Pizza Delight (462 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. – Alcool NB Liquor (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 18 between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Kent Building Supplies (88 Powers Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 17 between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. – Jean-Daigle Centre (85 15-Aout Rd., Edmundston)
• Sept. 17 between 8:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (44 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 17 between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.– Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 17 between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Pizza Delight (462 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 17 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Pizza Delight (115 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 17 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. – St. Sacrement Catholic Church (188 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 17 between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – Co Opérative de St-Quentin Ltée (145 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Sept. 17 between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Résidence Funéraire Valcourt (254 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 17 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Plaso Dent (391 Front Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.– Shoppers Drug Mart (180 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Sept.16 between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Auberge Évasion de Rêves (11 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 16 between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Sept. 16 between 12:35 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. – Esso (15 Notre Dame Rd., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 16 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.– Blues Printing (180A Portage St., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 15 between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Co Opérative de St-Quentin Ltée (145 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 15 between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Saint Quentin Co-Op (145 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Sept. 15 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – DocBraces (630 Everard H. Daigle Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Sept. 15 between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Sept. 14 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Home Hardware (145 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Sep. 14 and 15 between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Big John Gym (11 St-Jean Baptiste Rd., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 14 between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Resto Pub Sportif (132 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 14 between 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. – Esso (15 Notre Dame Rd., Kedgwick)
• Sept. 14 between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (44 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Pizza Delight (115 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Pizza Delight (115 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 14 between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (344 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Pizza Delight (115 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 13 to 19 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. – O'Régal Restaurant (8014 Route 17, Kedgwick North)
• Between Sept. 13 and 17 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. – Université de Moncton - Edmundston Campus (165 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Sept. 13, 14, and 15 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Dépanneur McCormick (178 Monseigneur Martin E Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Between Sept. 9 and 17 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – OK Tire (5 Mgr Martin Ouest Rd., Saint-Quentin)
• Sept. 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)

Campbellton region, Zone 5:

• Sept. 18 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Country Kitchen (14154 Route 17, Glen Levit)
• Sept. 17 between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Canadian Tire (384 Val-d'Amour Rd., Atholville)
• Sept. 17 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Salon du Centre (157 Water St., Campbellton)
• Sept. 17 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – CCNB-Campbellton Campus (47 Village Ave., Campbellton)
• Sept. 16 between 8:30 a.m. and noon – CCNB-Campbellton Campus (47 Village Ave., Campbellton)
• Sept. 14 and 15 – Nailz by Tania (162 Water St., Campbellton)
• Sept. 12 and Sept. 11 between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. – Tim Hortons (75 Roseberry St., Campbellton)

Bathurst region, Zone 6:

• Sept. 21 between 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Canadian Tire Gas Plus (510 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 21 between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. – UNI Financial Cooperation (1215 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 20 between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. – Canadian Tire Gas Plus (510 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 19 between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. – Canadian Tire Gas Plus (510 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 19 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Canadian Tire Gas Plus (510 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 18 between 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. – House of Lee (315 Main St., Bathurst)
• Sept. 18 between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Alcool NB Liquor (1125 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 18 between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Sobeys (1125 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 17 between 6 p.m. and 18 p.m. – Joey's Pub (2050 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 17 between 10:30 a.m. and noon – Atlantic Host (1450 Vanier Blvd., Bathurst)
• Sept. 16 between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Dollarama (930 St. Anne St., Bathurst)
• Sept. 16 between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Dollarama (520 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 16 between 7:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. – Canadian Tire (520 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 16 between 7:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. – Kent Building Supplies (950 St. Anne St., Bathurst)
• Sept. 14 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – CCNB-Bathurst Campus (75 Youghall Dr., Bathurst)
• Sept. 13 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. – CCNB-Bathurst Campus (75 Youghall Dr., Bathurst)
• Sept. 12 and 13 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Canadian Tire (520 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Sept. 12 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – Cast & Crew (588 St. Anne St., Bathurst)

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.