Coronavirus Arrives In New Brunswick

As of February 2021, there have been 1,377 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick since the pandemic began. The number of active cases in the province has fluctuated, with 161 active cases reported in February 2021 and seven new cases reported in March 2021. The province has taken measures to control the spread of the virus, including implementing travel restrictions and establishing travel bubbles with select regions. New Brunswick has also expanded its vaccine rollout to include people 80 and older, regulated health professionals who have close contact with patients, and individuals with complex medical conditions.

New Brunswick COVID-19 vaccine rollout

New Brunswick has been working to vaccinate its population against COVID-19, with over 62% of the province having received at least one vaccine dose as of May 2021. The Pfizer vaccine has been made available to youth aged 12 to 17, with parental consent required for those under 16. The pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine is approximately one-third of the adult dose and is given in two doses spaced eight weeks apart.

The provincial government has released a "path to green" reopening plan, aiming for a 75% vaccination rate. As of May 2021, New Brunswick has had 2,200 cumulative COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with 43 deaths and 143 active cases. The province is in the Yellow phase of recovery and continues to encourage testing and following public health guidelines to limit the spread of the virus.

The COVID-19 vaccine works by teaching the immune system to recognize and fight the virus. It typically takes two weeks after the second dose for the body to build protection, so it is important to continue taking precautions even after immunization. The vaccines are safe and do not contain the virus, so they cannot give you COVID-19 or change your DNA.

New Brunswickers over the age of 5 are eligible for vaccination, and appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 1-833-437-1424. Information on vaccination clinics and the consent process is available on the Horizon Health Network website.

COVID-19 testing in New Brunswick

COVID-19 testing is available in New Brunswick. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, a new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell, you should use the self-assessment tool to determine if you should be tested for COVID-19. This can be completed by the individual or on behalf of someone else.

If you are experiencing symptoms, you can contact your primary care provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) or call 811. Please do not visit a hospital, physician's office, lab, or healthcare facility without calling first. If you are a healthcare professional, please self-isolate and call 1 833 475 0724. If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.

PCR tests for COVID-19 are available when requested by a primary care provider. Rapid point-of-care tests are also available to the general public until June 30th, 2024, at pick-up locations across the province. If you need assistance booking a POCT appointment, you can contact Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424.

If you are scheduled for a procedure or test that requires COVID-19 testing at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment at their drive-thru testing site. This testing is by appointment only, and patients can remain in their vehicles for the duration of the test. Patients will be required to bring identification and wear a face mask or covering. Patients will be asked to swab each nostril for 10 seconds with a provided cotton swab, and a nurse will assist if needed.

If you were tested for COVID-19 in New Brunswick and are 16 or older with a Canadian Health Care Number, you can register for a MyHealthNB account to check your results and records online.

Travel restrictions in New Brunswick

As of May 31, 2024, New Brunswick has relaxed its travel restrictions, making it easier for families to reunite. Previously, the Canadian province of New Brunswick had denied entry to its citizens living in the US, even to visit immediate family. The new changes, however, allow people from around the world to enter to visit immediate family members, which was previously limited to only residents of Canadian provinces and territories. Travellers must be approved by the Canadian Border Services Agency and are still required to apply through the New Brunswick Travel Registration Program.

The prior restrictions had faced scrutiny for differentiating between residents and non-residents of Canada. The revisions to the province's mandatory order are decided by the cabinet, after consultation with the all-party committee on COVID-19 and the chief medical officer. The government of New Brunswick continuously monitors developments and adjusts its approach to balance health, economic, and societal concerns.

The US land border has been closed since March 2020 to stop the spread of COVID-19. An exemption created in June 2020 allowed immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to enter. This definition was recently expanded to include those in committed relationships, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and adult children.

In addition to the travel restrictions, New Brunswick is also providing PCR tests for COVID-19 when requested by a primary care provider. The distribution of rapid point-of-care tests to the general public will end on June 30, 2024, and will be available at pick-up locations across the province while supplies last.

COVID-19 symptoms and treatment

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected New Brunswick, like many other places, and it is important to be aware of the symptoms and treatments for the disease.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely, with some people experiencing no symptoms at all, and others becoming critically ill. The most common symptoms include a fever, a new or worsening cough, a sore throat, a runny nose, a headache, fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhoea, and a loss of taste and/or smell. Less common symptoms include a rash, discolouration of fingers or toes, red or irritated eyes, difficulty breathing, and confusion. Symptoms usually appear 5-6 days after infection but can take up to 14 days.

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should self-isolate and monitor your health. If you are having difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling for an ambulance and informing them of your symptoms. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, stay at home and manage your symptoms; do not visit a hospital or healthcare facility without calling first. You can contact your primary care provider or a national health line for advice.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and others, it is important to follow public health guidelines. This includes getting vaccinated, maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre from others, wearing a well-fitted mask, and frequently washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. It is also important to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and to practice respiratory etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow.

COVID-19 statistics in New Brunswick

As of March 18, 2021, New Brunswick had reported a total of 1,484 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, with the number of active cases in the province at 48. The majority of these cases were located in the Edmundston region (Zone 4), with 434 confirmed cases and 16 active cases. The Moncton region (Zone 1) and the Fredericton region (Zone 3) also had a significant number of cases, with 346 and 245 confirmed cases, respectively.

By health zone, the breakdown of confirmed cases in New Brunswick as of March 18, 2021, was as follows:

• Zone 1 (Moncton region): 346 confirmed cases (10 active cases)
• Zone 2 (Saint John region): 224 confirmed cases (2 active cases)
• Zone 3 (Fredericton region): 245 confirmed cases (4 active cases)
• Zone 4 (Edmundston region): 434 confirmed cases (16 active cases)
• Zone 5 (Campbellton region): 182 confirmed cases (no active cases)
• Zone 6 (Bathurst region): 28 confirmed cases (no active cases)
• Zone 7 (Miramichi region): 25 confirmed cases (16 active cases)

On February 11, 2021, New Brunswick reported its 22nd death related to COVID-19, with a total of 1,377 confirmed cases and 161 active cases at that time. By March 18, 2021, the number of deaths in the province had increased to 30, with a total of 1,484 confirmed cases and 48 active cases.

New Brunswick has taken several measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including expanding its vaccine rollout to include people 80 and older, regulated health professionals in close contact with patients, and individuals with complex medical conditions. The province has also established travel bubbles with neighbouring regions, such as Quebec's Temiscouata, Avignon, and Listuguj First Nation, to facilitate safe travel while managing the risk of virus transmission.

Frequently asked questions