Proof Of Vaccination Coming To NB Next Week

In a provincial COVID-19 briefing, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell reported 63 new cases of the virus on Wednesday.

Dr. Russell also reported another person has died from COVID-19, marking the 48th death in the province since the beginning of the pandemic.

The person was in their 60s and lived in the Miramichi health region.

12 individuals are also being treated in hospital, which is the most since April 2020.

With the province on track to see 100 new cases a day, Dr. Russell pleaded to those who have not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.

“I ask you put your community first, your family, friends, your loved ones, this entire province, our healthcare workers, I ask that you take action to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

As cases continue to rise, Premier Blaine Higgs announced new health measures.

Beginning September 21 at 11:59 p.m., New Brunswickers 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination and government-issued ID to access several non-essential services.

“Indoor festivals, performing arts, sporting events, indoor and outdoor dining and drinking at restaurants, pubs, and bars, night clubs, amusement centres, pool halls, bowling alleys, casinos, movie theatres, gyms, indoor pools, and indoor recreational facilities,” said Higgs.

Also included are indoor group exercise facilities; indoor organized gatherings such as wedding, funerals, parties, conferences and workshops; indoor organized group recreational sports, classes and activities; and visiting a long-term care facility.

Premier Higgs also mentioned a digital version to present vaccine proof is currently being worked on.

There will be enforcement to monitor compliance, and if necessary enforce the new rules.

The Premier added travellers entering the province must provide proof of vaccination, and those who only have one dose must self-isolate for 14-days, however, an individual can leave self-isolation after 10-days if a COVID-19 test is negative.

Higgs also announced that people who live or work in certain communal settings will have to be fully vaccinated or wear a mask and be tested regularly for COVID-19. That includes assisted living facilities, shelters, community kitchens and addiction and mental health treatment facilities, along with staff at nursing homes and adult residential facilities.

Case breakdown by health zone

The 18 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:

· six people 19 and under;

· a person 20-29;

· two people 30-39;

· six people 40-49;

· two people 50-59; and

· a person 60-69.

Ten cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and eight are under investigation.

The one new case in Zone 2 (Saint John region) is a person 20-29. This case is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

The 19 new cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:

· four people 19 and under;

· nine people 20-29;

· three people 40-49; and

· three people 50-59.

Thirteen cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and six are under investigation.

The six new cases in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) are as follows:

· a person 19 and under;

· a person 30-39;

· two people 40-49;

· a person 50-59; and

· a person 80-89.

Two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and four are under investigation.

The 10 new cases in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) are as follows:

· four people 19 and under;

· three people 20-29;

· a person 30-39;

· a person 40-49; and

· a person 70-79.

Two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and eight are under investigation.

The four new cases in Zone 6 (Bathurst region) are as follows:

· a person 19 and under;

· a person 20-29;

· a person 30-39; and

· a person 40-49.

Two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and two are under investigation.

The five new cases in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) are as follows:

· four people 19 and under; and

· a person 20-29.

All five cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases.