New Brunswick has eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19 . The cases were announced today, October 14th, during a live online update.
Two of the cases are in Zone 1, the southeast region, which includes Sackville and the Tantramar area. The other six cases are in Zone 5 (Campbellton region).
The province now has 90 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
All of the new cases are related to the ongoing outbreaks.
There are 320 people in isolation in Zone 5 due to the outbreak.
Dr. Russell says that there is no confirmed case of community spread in either Zone 1 or Zone 5 as of today. The source of the Zone 5 outbreak is still under investigation, and all of the cases are linked.
Zone 1 and Zone 5 are currently under orange level restrictions, and the province is asking people not to travel in or out of those zones except for essential reasons.
MONCTON OUTBREAK TRAVEL-RELATED, DETAILS REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL
Dr. Russell describes the source of the Zone 1 outbreak as “travel related,” but will not disclose any further information citing “privacy reasons.”
Dr. Russell says that the reason behind sharing the source of the Zone 1 outbreak at all was to assure the public that there was no community transmission.
She instead disclosed what Public Health has learned by studying the trend in recent cases.
She says that the majority of those who contracted the virus caught it outside of work, while socializing within six feet of each other without wearing masks.
“So the bottom line is, we learned that people did not stay home when they were sick. They did not get tested when they were sick. It doesn’t matter how it gets into the province, it will be transmitted by people who are six feet or less apart not wearing a mask for over 15 minutes. We learned that people are still putting out rumors over social media and the media.”
Dr. Jennifer Russell
Dr. Russell says that the next 14 days will be critical, as they will help determine whether the outbreaks were successfully contained.
HIGGS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NEW BRUNSWICK BUSINESSES
Higgs addressed New Brunswick business owners in his live address.
He says New Brunswickers “can help New Brunswick’s economy not only rebound, but become stronger than ever.”
He says that capital loans are available for businesses with one to 49 employees to help them through temporary closures.
Small businesses can receive assistance of up to $100,000 through Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program.
“I want to remind you that the Business Navigators Service is available to answer any questions you may have. Since the pandemic began in March, this line has received more than 4,000 inquiries. I would encourage anyone looking for information about reopening a business, accessing available programs, or guidance on how to operate safely to call Business Navigators’ line at 1-833-799-7966 or email nav@navnb.ca.”
Premier Blaine Higgs
Payments and interest on loans with the government can be deferred for up to six months.
Larger businesses can find assistance through Opportunities New Brunswick.
TRAVELLED LAST WEEKEND? FOLLOW THESE STEPS
Dr. Russell recommendeds that those who travelled for Thanksgiving travel adhere to Orange level guidelines for 14 days after returning home.
Public Health preventative measures include:
- wear a mask at all times when in public, indoors and outdoors for the next 14 days;
- be vigilant in self-monitoring for symptoms and get tested as soon as possible should they develop;
- limit your contacts to your two-household bubble;
- wash your hands or use sanitizer frequently;
- maintain a two metre distance from others; and
- avoid gatherings.
CHMA is tracking local closures, cancellations and postponements here:
