N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 10 new cases, Fredericton announces vaccine policy for employees

Public Health reported 10 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, and the City of Fredericton announced a mandatory vaccination and testing policy for its employees.

Municipal employees will either have to provide proof they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test result twice weekly and wear a mask while at work.

Vaccination will also be a condition of employment for new hires.

City council unanimously approved the new policy at a special noon-hour meeting. It takes effect immediately, with full implementation no later than Sept. 17.

• Want to protect students under the age of 12? Get vaccinated, says Russell

"Our main goal was just that everyone be safe," said Mayor Kate Rogers. "So we went looking for which paths were required to keep people safe. And we know through the medical health office, Public Health, that that's the route to safeness is masking and testing or double vaccination."

Council sought legal advice before implementing the policy, she said. "And the advice was that this was the best route to go." 

Contractors and other outside workers entering city buildings will also be required to either mask or show their proof of vaccination.

Employees who prove their vaccination status won't have to submit to testing or wear masks.

The capital is the first municipality in New Brunswick to introduce a mandatory vaccination policy. It comes after the provincial government announced mandatory vaccines for all of its employees Aug. 19.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City's actions and decisions have been guided by information provided by New Brunswick's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with the goal of reducing the risk of transmission in the workplace and therefore maintaining a safe work environment for all employees," Fredericton said in the news release.

"City staff will continue to closely monitor evolving public health information and the COVID-19 situation to protect the health and safety of employees."

121 active cases

Since Wednesday, 16 more people have recovered from COVID-19, putting the province's total active case count at 121, Public Health said.

Three people remain in hospital, including one in intensive care.

A total of 75.6 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 or older are now fully vaccinated, up from 75.5 per cent on Wednesday, while 84.8 per cent have had at least one dose, up from 84.7.

The 10 new cases of COVID confirmed on Thursday cases break down this way:

Moncton region, Zone 1, two cases:

• A person 20 to 29
• A person 40 to 49

One case is under investigation and the other is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

Saint John region, Zone 2, one case:

• A person 50 to 59

This case is travel-related.

Fredericton region, Zone 3, one case:

• A person 80 to 89

This case is under investigation.

Edmundston region, Zone 4, five cases:

• Two people 19 or under
• A person 20 to 29
• A person 30 to 39
• A person 40 to 49

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

Bathurst region, Zone 6, one case:

• A person 30 to 39

This case is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

New Brunswick has had 2,784 confirmed cases of COVID since the pandemic began, with 2,616 recoveries so far and 46 COVID-related deaths.

A total of 412,736 tests have been conducted to date.

Cardy defends back-to-school plan

New Brunswick Education Minister Dominic Cardy is defending his back-to-school plan.

He and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell fielded questions from the public during two CBC events Thursday — a morning provincewide radio phone-in, followed by a Facebook live in the afternoon.

Some people questioned why classroom bubbles are being broken for students under 12, who can't get a COVID vaccine.

Cardy said the province is taking other steps to protect students, including vaccinations or testing for teachers.

But he said more restrictions may be imposed if needed.

"If we see evidence that we need to tighten things up, we will not hesitate to do that," he said. "We did it last year when we had to, and we'll do it this year if we have to. But for now, I think this is a balance between the mental health learning experience of the students and protecting us all against COVID."

Cardy noted students will still need to wear masks in common areas.

And he pointed out the new policy is to suspend in-class learning for at least a day when a school has a positive case.

Some parents expressed concerns they'll have to make more last-minute child-care arrangements because of that or take a financial hit.

Cardy said the province doesn't have the means to compensate parents who have to take extra days off work.

"I mean, I think you can imagine that, we're talking about federal supports ending, and obviously this is, education is on the provincial side, that having income supports for the entire population that have kids in school would just, that would not be feasible."

He does not expect schools will have to close very often, however.

Last school year, there were 28 days without in-class learning, he said.

New possible exposures

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

August 29 – Air Canada Flight 8496 – from Toronto to Saint John departed at 2:56 p.m.

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

Moncton region, Zone 1:

• Aug. 31 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 24/7 Fitness Club, 121 Pine Glen Rd., Riverview

Saint John region, Zone 2:

• Sept. 1 between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Costco, 300 Retail Dr., Saint John

Edmundston region, Zone 4:

• Aug. 28 between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. – Walmart, 805 Victoria Rd., Edmundston

Campbellton region, Zone 5:

• Aug. 28 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. – Irving, 173 Renfrew St., Dalhousie
• Aug. 27 between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Brasserie 1026 Bar & Grill, 157 Water St., Campbellton

Bathurst region, Zone 6:

• Aug. 30 between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – Sobeys, 1125 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 28 between 10 a.m. and noon – Pur & Simple, 930 St. Anne St., Bathurst
• Aug. 27 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Épicerie Frenette, 625 Principale Rd., Beresford
• Aug. 26 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Joey's Pub & Eatery, 2050 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 24 between noon and 4 p.m. – Marshall, 700 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 24 between noon and 4 p.m. – Urban Behavior, 1300 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 23 – Camping Colibri, 913 Acadiens Blv., Route 11, Bertrand
• Aug. 23 between 9 a.m. and noon – Dollarama, 445 St. Pierre Blv., Caraquet
• Aug. 23 – Walmart, 900 St. Anne St., Bathurst
• Aug. 22, 28, 29 between 10 a.m. and noon – Gymnasia, 1935 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst

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 an exposure site 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.

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. 27 – Air Canada Flight 8904 – from Montreal to Moncton, departed at 10:28 p.m.
• Aug. 24 – Air Canada Flight 8904 – from Montreal to Moncton, departed at  8 p.m.
• Aug. 21 – Air Canada Flight 7548 – from Toronto to Fredericton departed at 10:25 p.m.
• 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.

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. 31 between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. – Wise Guyz Pub, 176 Robinson St., Moncton
• Aug. 28 – Hynes Restaurant, 495 Mountain Rd., Moncton
• Aug. 28 between 1:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. – Dollarama, 105 Main St., Moncton
• Aug. 28 between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Superstore, 165 Main St., Moncton
• Aug. 27 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – Costco, 140 Granite Dr., Moncton
• Aug. 26 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Catch 22, 589 Main St., Moncton
• Aug. 25 between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Homestead Restaurant (358 Coverdale Rd., Riverview)
• Aug. 25 between 8 p.m. and midnight – Miss Cue, 459 Mountain Rd., Moncton
• Aug. 24 between 5:47 p.m. and 3:52 a.m. – Moncton City Hospital Emergency Room, 135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton
• 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 10:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. – Casino NB, 21 Casino Dr., Moncton
• 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
• Aug. 20 between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. – Pump House Restaurant, 51 Orange Lane, Moncton
• 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

Saint John region, Zone 2:

• Aug. 26 between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. – O'Leary's Pub, 46 Princess St., Saint John
• 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

Fredericton region, Zone 3:

• Aug. 28 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. – The MacShack (22 Irishtown Rd., Stanley)
• Aug. 26 between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Valley Veterinary Hospital (2024 Lincoln Rd., Fredericton)
• Aug. 25 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – Shear Beauty Salon & Spa (155 King St., Fredericton)
• Aug. 25 between noon and 9 p.m. – Valley Veterinary Hospital (2024 Lincoln Rd., Fredericton)
• Aug. 23 and 24 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Valley Veterinary Hospital (2024 Lincoln Rd., Fredericton)
• Aug. 22 between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Riverbend Golf Course, 541 Route 628, Durham Bridge
• Aug. 21 between noon and 2 p.m. – Boston Pizza, 1230 Prospect St., Fredericton
• Aug. 20 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Ayr Motor Express, 46 Poplar St., Woodstock
• Aug. 19 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Ayr Motor Express, 46 Poplar St., 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, 689 Main St., 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

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
• Aug. 26 – Marché Bonichoix Saint-Quentin, 145 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin
• Aug. 25 and 26 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Hotel Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin Hospital, 21 Canada Rd., Saint-Quentin
• Aug. 18 between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Piste Athlétisme Robert Thibault, 210 Mgr Martin-Est Rd., Saint-Quentin

Campbellton region, Zone 5:

• Aug. 24 – Sport Expert, 100 Roseberry St., Campbellton
• Aug. 24 between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. - Inch Aaran Park, 125 Inch Arran Ave., Dalhousie
• Aug. 24 between 9:30 a.m. to noon – Sugarloaf Mall, 312 Val D'amour Rd., Campbellton
• Aug. 24 at 8:30 a.m. – Circle K Irving, 143 Val D'Amour Rd., Campbellton

Bathurst region, Zone 6:

• Aug. 27 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Walmart, 900 St. Anne St., Bathurst
• Aug. 26 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Joey's Pub & Eatery, 2050 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 24 between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Bathurst Mall, 1300 St-Pierre Rd., Bathurst
• Aug. 24 between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Dixie Lee Restaurant, 1224 St. Peter  Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 24 between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Marshall's, 700 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 24 between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Aubainerie Bathurst, 1300 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst
• Aug. 21 between midnight and 3 a.m. – Party à la O.P. with DJ Saulnier, Army Camp, Leech
• Aug. 18 and 19 – Camping et Aquaparc de la Rivière Tracadie, 3205 Alcide Rd., Tracadie
• 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

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.