The entire province of New Brunswick has returned to the orange phase of the COVID-19 recovery plan until further notice.
COVID–19 cases increase
On January 5, 2021, after the province reported 27 new COVID-19 cases in a single day, the provincial government moved all the zones in New Brunswick to the orange phase of public health regulations.
The increase of COVID-19 cases in the province started on January 3, when seven cases were reported.
As of January 6, New Brunswick broke and set a record for the highest number of cases in a single day with 31 cases.
According to Dr. Jennifer Russell, the increase in cases is the result of Christmas and New Year’s Eve gatherings. “Clusters of infection that started during Christmas holidays continue to grow and spread”, she mentioned.
Outbreak at Shannex
As of January 5, 15 cases have been confirmed in the nursing home Shannex: Tucker Hall located in Millidgeville. According to the home’s website, this includes 11 staff members and four residents.
The first outbreak in the home was declared on November 20, 2020.
UNB update
On Wednesday 6, the University of New Brunswick sent an update through email to all students.
According to the email, both campuses are open and in-person classes will be delivered on January 18 as planned, while respecting New Brunswick Public Health guidelines.
“This includes wearing masks in all public spaces and continuously maintaining a two-metre physical distance and limiting our social contact with others”, reads the email.
Case update
Of the 110 current active cases in the province, 22 are in Zone 2 (Saint John region). One person is currently in hospital in the ICU.
More information on COVID-19 in New Brunswick can be found here.
