N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Province set to 'go green' as Canada's top doctor warns of 4th wave

As New Brunswick prepares to move into the green phase of COVID-19 recovery and lift all restrictions Friday at11:59 p.m., Public Health reported seven new cases of COVID, several new exposure notifications,and Canada's top doctorwarnedthe countrycould be seeing the start of a variant-driven fourthwave.

The seriousness of the pandemic's resurgence will depend largelyon vaccination coverage, saidChief Public Health OfficerDr. Theresa Tam.

"This forecast reaffirms the need to take a cautious approach to relaxing public health measures, to remain vigilant and responsive to signs of resurgence, and to continue to increase first and second dose vaccination coverage," shesaid.

Provincial officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

The province's original goal was to have 75 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and older fully vaccinated before lifting restrictions,including mandatory masks,gathering limits and provincial border checks for travellers within Canada.

But last Friday, Premier Blaine Higgs announced the province would go green as of Saturday morning, regardless of whether itmet its initial target.

Vaccination rates have fallen since then, a trend that continued Thursday with 5,592 people rolling up their sleeves.

Of those,4,565 received their second dose, bumping the fully vaccinated rate up to66.7 per cent of the eligible population, from 66.1 per cent.

The remaining 1,027 people got their first shot. That means 82 per cent of the eligible population has now received at least one dose, up from 81.9 per cent.

Pop-upwalk-inclinics offering Moderna as first and second doses are being held across the province to help make getting vaccinated more convenient and accessible.

One is underway Friday in Beechwoodat theKnights of Columbus Hall, 22 Hallett Rd., Beechwood, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m

Another clinic accepting walk-ins Friday is taking place inSaint John atExhibition Park, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's also offering Modernato people 18 years orolder.

On Saturday, the following clinics will accept walk-ins:

• Miramichi Miramichi Public Health, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (12 years orolder Pfizer-BioNTech)
• Saint JohnExhibition Park, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (12 years or older Pfizer-BioNTech)

On Monday, New Brunswick Day,there is a clinic accepting walk-ins:

• Saint JohnExhibition Park, 10 a.m. to 2p.m. (12 years or older Pfizer-BioNTech)

A pop-up walk-in clinic offering Pfizerwill also be held inFrederictonMonday at the CrownePlaza, 659Queen St., from noon to 5 p.m.,for anyonethose whonot yet received their first or second dose.

People can alsobook an appointment onlinethrough a Horizon or Vitalithealth network clinic or aparticipating pharmacy.

"At this time, patients, staff and visitors to all hospitals and health-care facilities, including COVID-19 assessment centres and vaccination clinics, must continue to wear masks to reduce the risk of transmission within the health-care system," Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said in a statement.

"Any patient with a valid medical exemption to wearing a mask, is asked to call in advance to the department or service to ensure arrangements can be made to accommodate them," she said.

Anyone aged 12 or oldercan be vaccinated and people are eligible to get their second dose 28 days after their first.

Peopleare asked to bring their Medicare card,a signed consent form, and theirrecord of vaccination if they're receiving their second dose.

19 active cases

The seven new confirmed cases of COVID-19 include:

Moncton region, Zone 1, five cases:

• A person under 19
• Three people 20 to 29
• A person 30 to 39

Three of thecases are under investigation, one is travel-related and the other case is a contact of a previously confirmed case, Public Health said.

Fredericton region, Zone 3, two cases:

• A person under 19
• A person 30 to 39

One case is travel-related and the otheris under investigation.

Theprovince's active case count now stands at 19.

No one is hospitalized with the respiratory disease.

The next update on case numbers and vaccination rates isn't expected until Tuesday, unless there is a significant development over the holiday weekend.

Public Health announced earlier this week that updates via theCOVID-19 dashboardwill continue to be available Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.News releases will no longer be regularly posted on weekdays, "except as required due to developments," it said.

There have been2,365 confirmed cases ofCOVID-19 in the province since the pandemic began, with2,299recoveries so farand 46COVID-related deaths.

A total of 380,447COVIDtests have been conducted, including748on Thursday.

Possible exposures

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

• July 25, Air Canada Flight 8904 from Montreal to Moncton, departed at 7:54 p.m.
• July 25, Air Canada Flight 7546 from Toronto to Fredericton, departed at 2:27 p.m.

Public Health has also identified possible exposures in the following regions:

Moncton region, Zone 1:

July 26 - Maritime Bus Coach 1908 from Moncton to Fredericton, departed at 4:20 p.m.

• Tony's Bistro & Patisserie,137 McLaughlin Rd., Moncton,July 23,between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• Tony's Bakery(50 rue du March, Dieppe,July 20between 12:45 p.m. and 1:20 p.m., July 26 between noon and 1p.m. and July 27 between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.
• Carrabba's Italian Grill Restaurant,1000 Main St., Moncton,July 20 between 4 p.m. and 11:35 p.m., July 22 between 4p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and July 23 between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• The Third Glass Bar,819 Main St., Moncton,July 21 between 7p.m. and 1:30 a.m., July 22 between 4p.m. and 1:30 a.m., July 23 between 6:30 p.m. and 3a.m., July 24 between 2 p.m. and 3 a.m. and July 26 between 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.
• Gusto's Italian Grill and Bar,130 Westmorland Dr., Moncton,July 22 between 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
• Starbucks,361 Champlain St., Dieppe,July 22 between 3:30 p.m. and 4p.m.

What to do if you have a symptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 cantake 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.