Province won’t be moving to the orange phase of restrictions yet, but Russell asks New Brunswickers to keep Thanksgiving gatherings small.
New Brunswick reported three new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, but none related to the outbreak at Manoir Notre Dame in Moncton.
The new cases are in Fredericton, Saint John and Campbellton. While the Campbellton case is still under investigation, the Fredericton and Saint John cases have been deemed related to travel.
The number of cases at Manoir Notre Dame remains at 19. There are 13 residents, 4 staff, and two family members with the disease.
Three people are now in hospital, with one in intensive care.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Chief Medical Officer of Health Jennifer Russell said 90 people, in addition to Manoir Notre Dame residents and staff, have been contacted through contact tracing.
But the cause or source of the outbreak is still not known, she said.
“This work continues and the cause of the outbreak remains and under investigation,” said Russell. “And to show how diligent the work has been going, they have even done contact tracing with folks who have tested negative… because they really want to make sure that they don’t miss anything. So they’re really leaving no stone unturned.”
Russell also announced that to further slow the spread of the infection, visiting is now prohibited at adult residential facilities in zone 1, affecting all long term care homes in Sackville and the Tantramar region.
She says public health is not ready to go to wider community restrictions yet. “At this point in time, we’re not prepared to go to the orange phase,” she said. “Things can change at any time, but based on the information we have right now that that’s not what we’re planning to do.”
Residents who have tested negative will continue to be tested every few days, said Russell, with the next round of testing happening Friday. The results of those tests would be reported Saturday.
Russell said that the outbreak first reported Tuesday has meant a surge in requests for testing, and she is encouraging people to use the online testing request form on the New Brunswick website. “I urge everyone to continually monitor their health and seek testing if symptoms of COVID-19 emerge,” said Russell. “To assist in our testing process, I ask everyone to use the online form to request a test on the GNB website. It is fast and it’s really easy to use.”
Russell also had advice for people celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend:
“Keep your gathering small. Give people enough space to maintain physical distance. Make it really easy for it to be a safe environment. Have it outdoors if you can, and be aware of your surroundings. If you don’t feel well, don’t go to a Thanksgiving event. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems need to be particularly cautious. And if someone in your circle can’t attend your Thanksgiving event, again, find another way to make the day special for them.”
