Health Minister Says Testing Capacity Will Increase This Week

New Brunswick’s health minister spent Wednesday’s provincial briefing speaking about the demand and capacity for testing and how many of us may be experiencing COVID-19 fatigue.

Dorothy Shephard said more than a 1100 COVID-19 tests were processed in the last 24 hours.

Shephard said as the cases number increases, it’s understandable that stress and anxiety are also increasing.

“On top of this, people who are currently waiting to be tested for COVID-19 are frustrated. We are seeing an increase in the demand for testing as of late and we are working hard to address it,” Shephard said.

On Tuesday, 1384 requests for a test were submitted online.

500 were in Zone 2, the Saint John region, and more than 300 in Zone 3, the Fredericton area.

Shephard said testing capacity is being increased in Fredericton and Saint John this week.

She encouraged people seeking a test to give their correct phone numbers, keep their phone nearby and answer it when public health staff call back to schedule a test.

“COVID-19 fatigue is real”

The health minister also spoke about COVID-19 fatigue.

Shephard said it’s not a diagnosis but instead a description for a range of symptoms and frustrations with the prolonged pandemic response.

“It is important to know that you are not alone in feeling the way you do. In fact, all of us will likely experience increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness,” Shephard said.

"211 can be a resource for you. If you are struggling to cope, there is help."

— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) November 25, 2020

“While this is true at any time of the year, I think those feelings will be even stronger during our holiday season. Traditionally, this is a time when we connect with family and friends and while we still need to do that, we must do it differently this year,” Shephard said