New Brunswick reported four new cases of COVID-19 today (April 25).
Public Health says the breakdown is as follows:
- One case in the Saint John region (Zone 2) is an individual 20-29. This case is a contact of previously confirmed case.
- One case in the Fredericton region (Zone 3) is an individual 30-39. This case is under investigation.
- Two cases in the Edmundston region (Zone 4): an individual 20-29 and an individual 50-59. Both cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.
Since Saturday, 10 people have recovered which has lowered the active case count to 130.
Eight patients are in hospital including three in an ICU.
Provincewide, there have been 35 deaths related to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
The provincial government says it is working collaboratively with the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) to make the travel registration and isolation requirements as simple and efficient as possible for independent and fleet truck drivers.
“Truck drivers have played an important role since the beginning of the pandemic. Currently with the variants of COVID-19, we know all forms of travel carry a serious risk to the health of New Brunswickers,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard.
“We are committed to working with the industry to find ways to limit the burden for the trucking industry and its drivers while at the same time reducing the risk of the COVID-19 virus spreading in our province.”
As of today, New Brunswick truck drivers who cross borders and New Brunswickers who are cross-border commuters are following modified isolation guidelines which means they can continue to go to work and family members they are living with do not have to self-isolate.
As part of the new requirement for leisure travellers to self-isolate in hotels for seven days upon arrival in the province, seven isolation hotels have been designated as follows:
- The Hilton in Saint John
- Hyatt Place in Moncton
- The Delta in Fredericton
- Canada’s Best Value Inn in Woodstock
- The Rodd in Miramichi
- The Best Western in Bathurst
- The Quality Inn in Campbellton
- There is currently no isolation hotel in Edmundston due to the lockdown status but one will be identified when the lockdown ends.
The province says these hotels are not able to take reservations directly and travellers must call the Canadian Red Cross, which is coordinating the program, at 1-800-863-6582.
The cost to travellers, including accommodations, food and security, will be approximately $200 per day.
On day five, travellers will be required to take a COVID test and if the result is negative they can complete the remainder of their 14-day isolation period at home but must be alone.
A second COVID test will be required on day 10.
Starting at midnight, post-secondary students returning from COVID-19 hot zones – such as the Halifax region – and any others helping them must stay at a designated isolation hotel with the costs covered by the provincial government.
Also beginning at midnight, post-secondary students and others helping them who are returning from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland and Labrador – other than an Atlantic Canada COVID-19 hot zone – will be required to isolate at home for 14 days.
Anyone who enters the province must register their travel online or call 1-833-948-2800.
