New Brunswick health officials announce the province's first presumptive case of COVID-19 on March 11, 2020. (Photo: Government of New Brunswick/YouTube)
New Brunswick health officials have confirmed the province’s first presumptive case of COVID-19.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province’s chief medical officer of health, announced the case during an emergency news conference late Wednesday.
Russell said the patient is a woman between 50 and 60 years old from southeastern New Brunswick who recently travelled to France.
“The patient has been treated and tested and is in isolation at home,” said Russell, adding the woman’s symptoms are mild.
Russell said the patient and the province only received the presumptive test results from the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre’s laboratory in Moncton late Wednesday afternoon.
Additional testing to confirm the case as a positive will take place at the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.
“Public Health measures are already being put in place to prevent the spread of the virus by reaching out to all individuals who may have been in contact with this person, assessing their health, and instructing them to stay home for 14 days after their last contact with this person,” said Russell.
Russell said it was not unexpected to have a travel-related case, adding the people they are most concerned about are “close contacts” like family members.
She said the emergency room was notified by phone ahead of time and took full precautions to prepare for the patient.
Russell was unable to say when the woman returned from France or if she was travelling with anyone.
Premier Blaine Higgs said officials knew this day would come — and the province is ready to react to the virus.
“Our government is committed and prepared to do whatever it takes to support the Public Health and the Emergency Measures Organization teams during this outbreak,” said Higgs.
Russell reiterated Higgs’ comments about the province’s preparation to deal with the virus.
“Our Public Health and health system are ready, we are able to detect these cases with our surveillance system currently, and our top priority is protecting the health and well-being of New Brunswickers,” she said.
Public Health says regular handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately, avoiding contact with sick people and staying home when sick are important ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illness.
“It may seem odd that regularly washing hands and avoiding touching your face can protect you from a serious illness, but it works,” said Russell.
Protect yourself against coronavirus. If you are an older adult, or have chronic health conditions, you are at greater risk. Stay informed at https://t.co/qAyPms8yq4. pic.twitter.com/5D17uyiIqD
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) March 10, 2020
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