N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 118 new cases, 31 confirmed cases of Omicron

The province is reporting 118 new cases of COVID-19 in six regions today, with almost half of those cases in the Fredericton region, Zone 3.

There are 107 recoveries and 42 people in hospital, 17 of themin intensive care, Public Health said in a news release Monday afternoon.

Of those in hospital, 26 are over the age of 60 and 10 people are on a ventilator. There is no one under 19 in hospital with COVID-19.

Six of the 42 people hospitalized were initially admitted for other reasons and contracted COVID-19 because ofoutbreaks at hospitals in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton and Miramichi.

Most of these people are exhibiting mild to moderate symptoms, Public Health saidin the release.

The new cases break down in this way:

Moncton region, Zone 1

• 14 cases

Saint John region, Zone 2

• 24 cases

Fredericton region, Zone 3

• 53 cases

Edmundston region, Zone 4

• 17 cases

Bathurst region,Zone 6

• four cases

Miramichi region, Zone 7

• six cases

31 confirmed cases of Omicron variant

There is now a total of 31 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the province.

Since Nov. 26, when the Omicron variant was declared a variant of concern, 568 samples, including all travel-related cases, have been sequenced, Public Health said in a news release on Monday.

Aside from the number of cases, the department does not provide any details about any of the Omicron cases, including the region they were found in, the severity of the cases, or the age of those who've contracted it.

In an interview with Rosemary Barton on Sunday, Premier Blaine Higgs said the province's cases are still primarily being driven by the Delta variant.

"Ithas been pretty consistently and stubbornly Delta [now for] several weeks," Higgs said.

• Epidemiologist says COVID-19 is airborne and it's time to rethink measures
• N.B. teachers 'drained' as new COVID-19 rules add uncertainty, extra work

On Monday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell repeated that messagebut urged residents to remain vigilant given Omicron's transmissibility.

"Given what we are seeing in neighbouring provinces, it is important we do whatever we can to slow the spread of this variant," Russell said in a news release.

"Public Health focused on case investigations so that possible cases could be isolated quickly. I encourage everyone to do their part by following all Public Health measures and booking an appointment for a booster dose as soon as you are eligible."

Updated vaccination numbers

A total of 82.6 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 89.5 per cent have received their first dose as of Monday, Public Health reported in a news release.

Another 14 per cent have received a booster dose.

Additional booster clinics are available through community COVID-19 vaccination clinics put on by the regional health authorities and at participating pharmacies.

Those who are eligible for pediatric vaccinations or booster doses, and those who have yet to have their first or second dose, can schedule an appointment at a regional health authority clinic through theonline booking systemor at aparticipating pharmacy.

A full list of walk-in clinics offering first, second and booster doses of the vaccine is available on the government's gnb.ca website.

New public exposure notices

The province shared the following new exposure sites on Monday.

Moncton region, Zone 1

• Dec. 15 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. -The Fisherman(640 Main St., Shediac)
• Dec.14 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-GoodLife Fitness Dieppe Blvd and Aquatique St(555 Dieppe Blvd., Dieppe)
• Dec.13 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. -GoodLife Fitness Dieppe Blvd and Aquatique St(555 Dieppe Blvd., Dieppe)
• Dec.12 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Avenir Centre(150 Canada St., Moncton)
• Dec.12 between 4 p.m. and 5:40p.m. Pat Crossman Memorial Aquatic Centre(400 Whitepine Rd., Riverview)
• Dec.12 between 3 p.m. and 6:30p.m. The Moncton Press Club(160 Assomption Blvd., Moncton)
• Dec.11 between 4:30p.m. and 6:30p.m. Gusto Italian Bar & Grill(130 Westmorland St., Moncton)

Saint John region, Zone 2

• Dec.15 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. -Tim Hortons(158 Main St. W, Saint John)
• Dec. 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. -Tim Hortons(158 Main St. W, Saint John)
• Dec. 13 between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. -Saint John Provincial Court(10 Peel Plaza, Saint John)
• Dec. 12 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. -East Side Mario's(75 Consumers Dr., Saint John)
• Dec. 12 between noon and 2:00 p.m. -Walmart(450 Westmorland Rd., Saint John)
• Dec. 12 between 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. -Kings Church(332 Hampton Rd., Quispamsis)
• Dec. 10 between 8p.m. and 10p.m. -TD Station(99 Station St., Saint John)
• Dec. 9 between 8 p.m. and 10p.m. -TD Station(99 Station St., Saint John)
• Dec. 8 between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. -TD Station(99 Station St., Saint John)
• Dec. 7 between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. -TD Station(99 Station St., Saint John)

Fredericton region, Zone 3

• Dec.16 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Palate(462 Queen St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 15 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fredericton Public Library(12 Carleton St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 15 between 10:30 a.m. and noon Coffee Mill(1187 Smythe St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 14 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Grant-Harvey Centre(600 Knowledge Park Dr., Fredericton)
• Dec. 14 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fredericton Public Library(12 Carleton St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 13 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Grant-Harvey Centre(600 Knowledge Park Dr., Fredericton)
• Dec. 13 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Regent Mall(1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 12 between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Brunswick Street Baptist Church(161 York St., Fredericton)
• Between December 11 and 12between 7 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. Kingwood Gymnastics(41 Kingswood Way, Hanwell)
• Dec. 10 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Canadian Tire(388 Connell St., Woodstock)
• Dec. 8 between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tokyo Ramen(502 Forest Hill Rd., Fredericton)
• Dec. 6 between 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. York Arena(891 Barker St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 6 between 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. York Arena(891 Barker St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 5 between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Lady Beaverbrook Rink(411 University Ave., Fredericton)
• Dec. 5 between 10:30 a.m. and noon St. Luke's Anglican Church(104 Church St., Woodstock)
• Dec. 5 between 9:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. Walmart(125 Two Nation Crossing, Fredericton)
• Dec. 4 between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Walmart(125 Two Nation Crossing, Fredericton)

Edmundston region, Zone 4

• Dec. 17 between noon and 1 p.m. Atlantic Superstore(577 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Dec. 17 between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Foodland-Grand Falls(535 E. H. Daigle Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Dec. 17 between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. IGA Extra Supermarket(580 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Dec. 17 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. E. & P. Snchal Centre (Gym)(60 Ouellette Rd., Grand Falls)
• Dec. 16 between 3:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Physiothrapie Nord-Ouest(296 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Dec. 16 between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. IGA extra Supermarch Donat Thriault(580 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Dec. 15 between 4:30 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. Familiprix(138 Main St., Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska)
• Dec. 14 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Atlantic Superstore(577 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Dec. 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Pizza Delight(180 Hbert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Dec. 14 between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Energym Inc(112 St. Joseph Rd., Saint-Jacques)
• Dec. 13 between 3:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. Physiothrapie Nord-Ouest(296 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Dec. 12 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Jean Coutu(177 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Dec. 11 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Atlantic Superstore(240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Dec. 11 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Giant Tiger(200 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Dec. 11 between midnight and 1:30 a.m. Bar Su'l Fanil(70 Mgr Plourde Ave., Edmundston)

Bathurst region, Zone 6

• Dec. 16 between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Greco Pizza(763 Main St., Beresford)
• Dec. 15 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Greco Pizza(763 Main St., Beresford)
• Dec. 15 Le Groupe Roberts Group(613-4 Rivire--la-Truite Rd., Rivire--la-Truite)
• Dec. 14 Le Groupe Roberts Group(613-4 Rivire--la-Truite Rd., Rivire--la-Truite
• Dec. 13 Le Groupe Roberts Group(613-4 Rivire--la-Truite Rd., Rivire--la-Truite)
• Dec. 10 Le Groupe Roberts Group(613-4 Rivire--la-Truite Rd., Rivire--la-Truite)

Miramichi region, Zone 7

• Dec.16 between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. River City Fitness Club(128 Bridge Rd., Miramichi)
• Dec.15 between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. River City Fitness Club(128 Bridge Rd., Miramichi)

Previously listed exposure notices

Moncton region, Zone 1

• Dec.13, Between 3:30 p.m.and 6:30 p.m. -Goodlife Fitness(555 Dieppe Blvd., Dieppe)
• Dec.13, Between 6 p.m. and midnight -Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre(330 Universit Ave., Moncton)
• Dec.12, Between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. -Ole Hibachi(790 Dieppe Blvd., Dieppe)

Saint John region, Zone 2

• Dec. 16, Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. -Saint John Regional Hospital; Department of Oncology radiation outpatient services(400 University Ave., Saint John)
• Dec.15, Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. -Saint John Regional Hospital; Department of Oncology radiation outpatient services(400 University Ave., Saint John)
• Dec. 14, Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. -Saint John Regional Hospital; Department of Oncology radiation outpatient services(400 University Ave., Saint John)

Fredericton region, Zone 3

• Dec.14, Between 3p.m.and 4 p.m. -Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy(348 King St., Fredericton)
• Dec.13, Between 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m.-Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy(348 King St., Fredericton)
• Dec.12, Between 4 p.m.and 5 p.m. -Willie O'Ree Place(605 Cliffe St., Fredericton)
• Dec.12, Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. -Trailway Bowl-a-Drome(301 Main St., Fredericton)
• Dec.12, Between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-Tobique-Plex skating(159 Main St., Plaster Rock)
• Dec.12, Between 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-Pizza Delight(403 Connell St., Woodstock)
• Dec.12, Between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. -Delta Fredericton restaurant(225 Woodstock Rd., Fredericton)
• Dec. 11, Between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-Pizza Delight(243 Saint Marys St., Fredericton)
• Dec.11, Between 1:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-Fredericton Playhouse(686 Queen St., Fredericton)
• Dec.11, Between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. -Ringo's Bar & Grill(1185 Smythe St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 11, Between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. -Regent Mall Food Court(1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Dec.11, Between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-Grimross Brewery(600 Bishop Dr., Fredericton)
• Dec.11, Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. -Delta Fredericton pool(225 Woodstock Rd., Fredericton)
• Dec.11, Between 11 a.m. and 1:30p.m. -Nackawic Arena(152 Otis Dr., Nackawic)
• Dec. 11, Between 8:30a.m.and 5 p.m. -Atlantic Superstore(1150 Onondaga St., Oromocto)
• Dec.10, Between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. -PetSmart(1124 Prospect St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 9, Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. -Jungle Jim's(1168 Smythe St. , Fredericton)
• Dec.8, Between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. -Tokyo Ramen(502 Forest Hill Rd., Fredericton)
• Dec.8, Between 7:40 a.m. and 8:40a.m.-Kingswood Lodge- Gym(1700 Kingswood Way, Hanwell)
• Dec. 8, Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. -Appleby's Taekwando(880 Hanwell Rd., Fredericton)
• Dec.8, Between 12p.m.and 4 p.m. -Jeremy's Barber Shop(199 Main St., Plaster Rock)
• Dec.7, Between 6:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. -Kingswood Lodge - Gym(1700 Kingswood Way, Hanwell)
• Dec. 6, Between 7:15 p.m. and 8:15p.m.-York Arena(891 Barker St., Fredericton)
• Dec. 5, Between 3:30 p.m.and 4:30 p.m. -Lady Beaverbrook Rink(411 University Ave., Fredericton)

Edmundston region, Zone 4

• December 14, Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. -Burger King(100 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• December 13, Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -Burger King(100 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• December 13, Between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. -Greco(77 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• December 12, Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. -Pizza Shack(525 Carrier Rd., Edmundston)
• December 10, Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. -Acanthus Gallery(136 Church St., Grand Falls)
• December 9, Between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. -Edmundston Regional Hospital - outpatient waiting room(275 Hbert Blvd., Edmundston)

Miramichiregion, Zone 7

• Dec.13, Between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. -Pleasant Street After Hours Clinic(250 Pleasant St., Miramichi)
• Dec.14, Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. -Go To Insure: Stevens, Wilson & Lockerbie(505 King George Highway, Miramichi)
• Dec.15, Between 9 a.m.and 12 p.m. -Go To Insure: Stevens, Wilson & Lockerbie(505 King George Highway, Miramichi)

For the full list of new and previous public exposure notices, visit theprovincial government's website.

People who have not been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to a possible exposure and who have symptoms should get a COVID lab test. They can book an appointment online or call Tele-Care 811 and must isolate while waiting for their test result.

People who are not fully vaccinated and do not have symptoms are now being instructed to pick up an At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Point of Care Test (Rapid POCT) screening kit. They do not need to isolate if they have not been directed by Public Health to do so.

All positive point-of-care test results must be confirmed with a laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test.

It can take up to 14 days to test positive after being exposed to COVID-19, so even if results come back negative, people should continue to self-monitor for any symptoms and get tested immediately if any develop.

They should also avoid visiting settings with vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes, correctional facilities and shelters during that 14-day period.

For people who have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to a possible exposure, Public Health recommends they monitor for symptoms for 14 days after the possible exposure and get a COVID lab test if symptoms develop.

They do not need to isolate while they wait for their test results.

If they do not have symptoms, they can pick up a rapid test kit and do not need to isolate.

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.