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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/mayors-rural-ambulance-response-1.5771336
Mayors blast 'terrible' rural ambulance response times
Auditor general report shows poor rural response times masked by urban data
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 21, 2020 4:00 PM AT
In many rural and remote communities, Ambulance New Brunswick fails to
respond to 90 per cent of calls within its target of 22 minutes. (Catherine Allard/Radio-Canada)
Mayors and community leaders in small–town New Brunswick say they weren't surprised at all by this week's scathing report by the auditor general about ambulance response times.
The audit shows that in many rural and remote communities, Ambulance New Brunswick fails to respond to 90 per cent of calls within its target of 22 minutes.
"It's terrible," said Belledune Mayor Joe Noel. "It shouldn't be allowed and there's no need for it."
But those shortfalls are obscured, and don't count against ANB's performance payments, because they're combined with better response times in urban centres for measuring performance--which is allowed under the company's contract.
Blackville Mayor Chris Hennessy said the report is a vindication for him.
"They basically bury the rural stats in the urban numbers so they never show the bad with the good," he said.
"I know people thought I was crazy when I was preaching about this for the last five years … so I'm glad somebody uncovered that."
Rural vs. urban response
The aggregation of the numbers allows Medavie Health Services New Brunswick, which operates the ambulance service, to collect $650,000 a year for hitting the broader 90-percent target in four large zones that include cities and towns.
"They're meeting them on the backs of the rural areas," Noel said.
"That's exactly what happens here. When an ambulance goes out in Campbellton or Bathurst, they take the ambulance from Belledune and send it to Bathurst or Campbellton to sit there, whether it gets a call or not...
"It's terrible," says Belledune Mayor Joe Noel. "It shouldn't be allowed and there's no need for it." (Ian Bonnell/CBC)
"That's where the calls are and that's why they're doing it: because it makes their numbers look good."
Harvey Mayor Winston Gamblin said response times in the village are good when the ambulance happens to be at its local station.
But when it's been shifting elsewhere, paramedics have a hard time reaching some locations within 22 minutes.
"We feel that if you live in a rural area, you have to take second best, and that's the way it came out in the report yesterday -- that we're second class citizens and [they say] 'we'll get there when we can,'" he said.
Ambulance targets
Under Medavie's contract with the province, ambulances must hit response targets 90 per cent of the time for the organization to receive performance payments.
The targets are to reach the scene of a call within nine minutes in 16 urban areas and within 22 minutes everywhere else in New Brunswick.
The audit found that in 19 out of 67 communities, ANB fell short of the 90 per cent goal.
But because response times are blended together within four large zones, it "masked" the poor numbers in those rural, remote communities, Auditor General Kim Adair-MacPherson said Tuesday.
Auditor
General Kim Adair-MacPherson's audit said the system "has introduced a
bias toward achieving high performance in areas of greater population
density, to the detriment of rural or remote communities where 911 calls
occur less frequently." (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Her audit said the system "has introduced a bias toward achieving high performance in areas of greater population density, to the detriment of rural or remote communities where 911 calls occur less frequently."
Rural areas were at a disadvantage because the system is "reducing the emphasis on improving performance in those areas," allowing Medavie "to focus resources on urban areas while having decreased performance in outlying communities."
In a statement released Tuesday, Medavie Health Services New Brunswick president Richard Losier agreed the average response time "varies from community to community."
But he pointed out what Adair-MacPherson's audit acknowledged: that the contract doesn't rate performance community by community but in four large zones.
"MHSNB is always open and willing to work with our government partners to improve the services to the people of New Brunswick," he said.
Medavie mum
Medavie did not respond to a request Wednesday for an interview with Losier.
On Tuesday Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said she was talking to Medavie officials about renegotiating the contract, which was renewed in 2017 for another 10 years.
Noel said rural response times should carry more weight in measuring ambulance performance.
"When you're 25 minutes away from a hospital to start with, that's where you need the response times," he said.
Belledune had the lowest number of any community measured by the auditor general: ambulances reached their destination within 22 minutes in only 69 per cent of calls.
On
Tuesday, Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said she was talking to
Medavie officials about renegotiating the contract, which was renewed in
2017 for another 10 years. (Government of New Brunswick)
Marc Henrie, the former chair of the Saint-Paul local service district north of Moncton, said he was not surprised to see the Fords Mills ambulance station with the second-worst rate in the report.
Ambulances based there reach calls within 22 minutes in only 70 per cent of cases.
"The auditor general just released proof that rural citizens are sadly taken as citizens of a second-class," he said.
Henrie chaired the LSD when Ambulance New Brunswick decided to put its bay in Fords Mills rather than in another location closer to Saint-Paul and Route 126, where he says most people in the area live.
"The numbers are not surprising at all," he said.
Sometimes ambulances responding to calls in the Saint-Paul area are sent from Salisbury, even though Moncton is closer. Henrie believes it's so ambulances based in Moncton can stay there and respond to calls in and around the city.
"It's clear that it's not strategic and it's not what's for the well-being in an emergency situation," he says.
Gamblin says he's glad to see the auditor general put the spotlight on the problem but worries it will discourage people from moving to smaller communities. "It's not an advertisement for rural areas," he says.
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Methinks Madame Shephard must know by now that the Medavie officials should be regretting their minions threatening litigation against me today N'esy Pas?
Pathetic Bernard lord pathetic
In the meantime, the important individual in this discussion, the patient in need of an ambulance is left holding the proverbial bag. Not necessarily because of a bad contract with Medavie, but more because of the chronic under funding of the entire health care system by successive NB government. Shortage of Nurses, Shortage of Doctors, Shortage of Specialists, Shortage of ambulances, Shortage of LTC facilities. the only thing we seem to have a surplus is under performing politicians. Example, NB,1 MLA per 17,700 residents, Que, 1 MLA per 67,400 residents, Ont, 1 MLA per 117,500 residents. Have to wonder are we getting 10 times the value from our elected representatives? Doesn't seem to be the case.
Never ever
Methinks your buddies Cardy and Higgy and even your SANB cohorts Maggy and Marc know that ain't rocket science N'esy Pas?
How does police service compare?
Or how about fire services?
Next some of these dreamers will be complaining about the lack of sidewalks and street lights.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-covid-second-case-dalhousie-1.5770583
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Dalhousie man becomes 4th victim, 6 new cases reported
Moncton region now slated to return to yellow level of recovery Friday instead of Thursday
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 21, 2020 6:37 AM AT
Rheal Vautour of Dalhousie has been identified as New Brunswick's fourth COVID-19-related fatality. (Facebook)
Latest
- Moncton and Campbellton remain orange
- 2nd case confirmed at Dalhousie High
- What to do if you have a symptom
The town of Dalhousie is mourning the loss of a local man identified as New Brunswick's fourth COVID-19-related fatality.
Rheal Vautour was in his 70s.
Dalhousie Mayor Normand Pelletier described him as a "down-to-earth gentleman" who "wouldn't hurt a fly."
"That's the problem with COVID, you don't know who it's going to hit and when, or how hard it's going to hit," Pelletier said.
"It's sad to see, but I guess COVID is going to take its toll on our region and the world itself."
The mayor offered heart-felt condolences to Vautour's son, Mark, and to Vautour's siblings.
"They were a big family of eight," he said. "They're a very respected family in the municipality."
Vautour was well-known for his passion for classic vehicles, Pelletier said.
"He's going to be missed because we always [saw] him driving around town with his antique cars."
Public Health said in a news release Wednesday that an individual between 70 and 79 years old in the Campbellton health region, Zone 5, died "as a result of underlying complications, including COVID-19."
The province also recorded six new confirmed cases of the respiratory disease on Wednesday, all in the Campbellton region.
Pelletier is concerned Public Health officials have still not been able to determine the source of the outbreak in the region. The outbreak was first reported by Public Health on Oct. 8.
He urged area residents to "be careful" and follow Public Health measures "to a T."
They should "wear a mask, wash their hands often, keep their distance, and stay in their little bubble for now till we can put this to rest," he said.
'Difficult to witness'
Vautour's death comes just days after COVID-19 claimed the province's third victim. A resident in their 60s at Manoir Notre-Dame, a special care home in Moncton, which is also experiencing an outbreak of the virus, died last Sunday.
"The loss of another person in our province related to COVID-19 is not news we ever want to have to share," Premier Blaine Higgs said in a statement Wednesday, offering his condolences.
"It has been difficult to witness the unfolding outbreak in the Campbellton-Restigouche region," said Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health.
New Brunswick recorded six new confirmed cases of COVID-19
on Wednesday and two more recoveries. (The Canadian Press/NIAID-RML via
AP)
The six new cases include a person aged 19 or under, a person in their 30s, two people in their 40s, one person in the 50s, and one person in their 60s.
They are all self-isolating and their cases are under investigation, said Public Health.
Two more people have recovered, leaving 92 active cases across the province.
Five people are in hospital, including one in intensive care.
The active cases include 33 people in the Moncton health region, Zone 1, one person in the Saint John region, Zone 2, one person in the Fredericton region, Zone 3, and 57 people in the Campbellton region.
New Brunswick has had 319 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March. To date, 223 people have recovered.
A total of 94,322 tests have been conducted so far, 666 of them on Tuesday.
Moncton and Campbellton remain orange
The Moncton and Campbellton regions remain at the orange level of New Brunswick's COVID-19 recovery plan, and the rest of the province is under the less restrictive yellow level.
"It is anticipated that [the Moncton region] will return to the yellow level on Friday, Oct. 23, if current trends continue," Public Health said Wednesday.
Last week, Premier Blaine Higgs and Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, had both said they expected the switch to take effect on Thursday.
The Campbellton region will remain at the orange level.
Thirty-three
of the 92 active COVID-19 cases are in the Moncton health region,
which is currently in the orange level of recovery. It's now expected to
return to the yellow level on Friday instead of Thursday, Public Health
said. (CBC)
About 30 cases have developed in that region in the past couple of weeks, with transmission occurring in "multiple" workplace and social settings, according to Russell.
Too many people are not wearing their masks and not physically distancing, she had said, urging area residents to "redouble" their efforts.
At the orange level, residents are restricted to two-household bubbles, which can extend to include caregivers and immediate family members.
Travel in or out of the zone is discouraged, except for essential reasons, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer with physical distancing.
2nd case confirmed at Dalhousie High
A second case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Dalhousie Regional High School in northern New Brunswick.
Students, staff, parents and guardians at the school in Dalhousie were notified late Tuesday night by Anglophone School District North superintendent Mark Donovan.
This case has no connection with the previously identified case, Public Health said.
Students in Grades 9 to 12 will be doing virtual learning Wednesday while contact tracing is completed by Public Health.
A
second case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Dalhousie Regional High
School, one of four schools in Dalhousie with COVID cases. (Facebook/Dalhousie Regional High School)
Students in Grades 6 to 8 had not returned to school after it reopened Oct. 15 and were set to return Friday. That may be extended, according to Public Health.
Families will receive updates from the school as decisions are made, it said.
Six schools in Zone 5, the Campbellton region, have had confirmed cases of COVID-19, including all four schools in Dalhousie, one in Campbellton and one in Balmoral.
No student-to-student transmission has been recorded in any school to date, said Public Health.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
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"Lizotte said appointments aren't necessary, but each person needs to have a New Brunswick Medicare card" Methinks Mayor Joe Noel of Belledune should have called me back by now N'esy Pas?
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Campbellton region 'on verge' of return to red phase after new cases
Restrictions tightened as Public Health sees strong signs of community spread of disease
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 22, 2020 7:27 AM AT
Higgs said he was concerned with the increasing number of cases in Zone 5 and while the zone technically remains in the orange stage, that may not be the case for long. (Serge Bouchard/Radio-Canada)
More restrictions have been announced for the Campbellton region, which recorded three new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, almost two weeks after it was pushed back to the orange phase of recovery.
The new cases consist of one person in their 40s and two in their 50s.
While Zone 5 will remain in the orange stage, people will be limited to interacting with a single household bubble, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell said.
Meanwhile, Belledune, which is not in Zone 5, will have to follow the new restrictions, and Kedgwick, which is in Zone 5, will be exempt.
Russell said there are four separate chains of infection in the region that cannot be linked.
"This is a strong indication that community spread is happening," she said.
Premier Blaine Higgs said he'd hoped that by moving the region back earlier this month from yellow to orange in the recovery process that the spread of the virus would be contained. That hasn't happened, he said, and about 300 people are now self-isolating in the region because they're at risk of developing COVID-19.
And while the zone technically remains at orange, that may not be the case for long.
"When I think about [the] Campbellton region and Zone 5, I think … we're on the verge of going back," Higgs said, referring to the red phase that the whole province was placed under early in the pandemic.
"We do not want to ... turn it into a red. We are on the verge of making a decision, though, that would significantly impact the economy and the livelihoods."
Higgs said travel into and out of the zone is "highly discouraged" but stopped short of saying it was forbidden.
'When
I think about [the] Campbellton region and Zone 5, I think … we're on
the verge of going back,' Higgs said, referring to the red phase that
the whole province was placed under early in the pandemic. (Government of New Brunswick)
Under the red stage, which is still a possibility for the region, all elective and non-urgent medical procedures would be postponed.
K-12 schools would become virtual only but daycares would remain open. Restaurants would only be able to offer drive-thru, delivery or takeout. and only drive-in church services would be allowed
Gyms, cinemas and barbers world remain closed but most retail businesses could remain open as long as they had an operational plan.
Provincial guidelines give four criteria for when a red stage could be introduced: three unlinked chains of community transmission in six days, the health-care system being overwhelmed, outbreaks not being controlled through testing and public health measures not being effective.
There are now 81 active cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. There were 714 tests for the virus in the province on Wednesday, bringing the total number of tests to 95,036.
The province has had 322 total cases since the pandemic began with 237 recoveries and four deaths.
Five people are now hospitalized because of the virus, including one in intensive care.
Higgs doesn't rule fines for violators
The province released some sobering statistics about the outbreak in the Campbellton region.
Over 16 days in October, the provincial positive test average was less than one per cent, but in Zone 5 it was 4.24 per cent.
While the province has an average of 14.39 cases per 100,000 "in Zone 5 the ratio is 245 cases per 100,000 people," and "COVID-19 is more prevalent in Zone 5 than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada."
Russell said she understands some residents may feel shamed and she's not looking to blame anyone for the outbreak, but she suggested people living in the area were not limiting their social contacts as much as they should be.
"Expanding the household bubbles too widely, obviously in the situation that is happening right now in the Campbellton-Restigouche area, we cannot maintain,"
Higgs said he had hoped that returning Zone 5 to the orange level would be enough to lower rates of transmission, but it has not been, which necessitated the increased restrictions.
"We will assess these activities through testing, through adherence, through additional staffing of compliance officers and, yes, fines if necessary, because we must get back under control," said Higgs.
Moncton moves forward to yellow again
While restrictions are increasing in Zone 5, the government is loosening restrictions in Zone 1, the Moncton region, although both have had outbreaks in recent weeks.
Moncton's active cases now stand at 25, and Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical health officer, said its outbreak has been brought under control. The first cases in the Moncton outbreak were reported the first week of October, and the outbreak went on to include residents, staff and family at the Manoir Notre-Dame special care home.
"We are seeing fewer cases related to that outbreak and have identified links among all the reported cases," Russell said Thursday.
With no new cases in Zone 1, the region will move Friday from orange to the less restrictive yellow stage of COVID-19 recovery. All other health zones, with the exception of the Campbellton region, have been under some stage of the yellow phase since May 22.
Dr. Jennifer Russel, the chief medical officer of health,
said Moncton's outbreak has now been brought under control. (Government
of New Brunswick)
Under yellow, Zone 1 residents will be able to meet with people beyond a two-family bubble although, as in the rest of the province, they should limit groups.
Uncontrolled indoor or outdoor gatherings with physical distancing can be held with crowds of 50 or fewer.
Gyms, cinemas and hair-styling businesses can also reopen in yellow
Zones 5 will be the only health region of the province in the orange stage of recovery as of midnight Thursday night. Everywhere else will be in the yellow stage.
Case at NB Power plant
As Belledune has moved back into the orange stage of recovery CBC News has learned that an employee of NB Power's Belledune Generating Station in the village has tested positive for COVID-19.
Joe Noel, the mayor of Belledune, said NB Power informed him of the positive test on Sunday.
"They said they had someone who had tested positive and that some other employees were being tested," said Noel.
Noel said he didn't know if the worker was from Belledune or from another community.
During her briefing on Thursday, Russell would not confirm there was a case at the Belledune plant or if the case was the reason for the area being moved into the orange stage. She cited privacy reasons.
"The decision around … Belledune in terms of how they're included or not included in Zone 5 is based on our risk assessment," Russell said.
NB Power also declined to comment on the case at the plant.
"Any questions related to COVID should be directed to Public Health," said NB Power spokesperson Marc Belliveau.
Mass testing for Zone 5 this weekend
Public Health and Vitalité Health Network will hold two days of mass testing for COVID-19 in the Campbellton region, or Zone 5, on Saturday and Sunday.
"The objective is to get an accurate picture of the prevalence of the virus in the community given the current outbreak in that region," Vitalité spokesperson Thomas Lizotte said in a release Thursday.
As of Wednesday, there were 57 actives COVID cases in Zone 5, and it remains in the orange phase of recovery, behind almost all other health zones in the province. Moncton is also in orange but could move to the less restrictive yellow phase on Friday.
This week, the province also recorded the fourth death related to COVID-19, Dalhousie resident, Rheal Vautour, 71.
Saturday's testing will be held at the Memorial Regional Civic Centre in Campbellton and Sunday's will be in Dalhousie at Inch Arran Arena. Testing will be done from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=447234990010408&ref=external
Lizotte said appointments aren't necessary, but each person needs to have a New Brunswick Medicare card.
"Screening tests will be done on a first come, first served basis."
Those attending are advised to dress warmly since people will be waiting outside at times.
"All testing done during these two days is only intended for people who do not have any symptoms of COVID-19," Lizotte said in the release.Those with symptoms are asked to request a test online or call Tele-Care 811 to get an appointment at the nearest screening centre.
"The network would like to remind people about the importance of following health advice to protect themselves and their loved ones, which is to wear a mask, maintain two metres of physical distancing and wash their hands often."
Mass testing was conducted in Restigouche County during Zone 5's first outbreak in June.
Dalhousie high school remains closed after 2nd case reported
Dalhousie Regional High School remained closed Thursday and Friday after a second case of COVID-19 was confirmed at the northern New Brunswick school.
Public Health said the second case has no connection with the previously identified case at the school in Dalhousie.
Mass
testing will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Memorial
Regional Civic Centre in Campbellton. (Serge Bouchard/Radio Canada)
A decision on when the school will reopen will be made Friday, Anglophone School District North superintendent Mark Donovan advised parents and guardians in a letter posted on the school's website and Facebook page.
Students from Grade 6 to 12 will continue virtual learning until then.
Students expected to show up when schools open
Six schools in Zone 5, the Campbellton region, have had confirmed cases of COVID-19, including all four schools in Dalhousie, one in Campbellton and one in Balmoral.
And Anglophone School District North says all students are expected to attend school unless they have a doctor's note.
"If parents choose to keep students home when schools are open, there is no expectation for teachers to provide work for those students," superintendent Mark Donovan told parents and guardians in a letter published online.
Donovan said schools or classrooms would be closed for one of two reasons: by direction of Public Health or because of operational problem. One operational issue would be an inability to find replacement staff or supply teachers.
"A classroom or school may need to close, simply because there are not enough staff to operate the class/building."
No student-to-student transmission has been recorded in any school to date, said Public Health.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
Your statement is true.
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 2 new cases, 8 recoveries reported Friday
Blaine Higgs and Dr. Jennifer Russell answer New Brunswickers' questions
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 23, 2020 12:17 PM AT
Premier Blaine Higgs said Zone 5 can stay out of the red phase if all residents co-operate and follow the rules. (Government of New Brunswick)
Latest
- Premier confident Zone 5 can get handle on virus
- New Brunswickers have questions
- Zone 1 hospitals allow more visitors, surgeries
- Testing possible for essential workers
- Businesses in Campbellton suffering
- What to do if you have a symptom
Two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the province Friday, both in the Campbellton area, Zone 5.
The cases involve one individual in their 40s and one in their 70s, and both people are self-isolating, the Health Department said in a news release Friday.
The province also reported eight recoveries from COVID-19.
This brings the total number of active cases down to 75. There have been a total of 324 cases of the disease in New Brunswick, with 245 recoveries and four deaths.
There were 548 tests conducted on Thursday, bringing the total number of tests to 95,584.
Premier confident Zone 5 can get handle on virus
As residents of Restigouche County head into the weekend under a more restrictive orange phase or recovery, Premier Blaine Higgs says the region is very close to being put back into the red phase as more positive cases of COVID-19 are announced.
After looking at the numbers, Public Health recommendations and where to find the balance, the premier said the government decided to limit interaction in the Campbellton region to single household bubbles to see if it would help limit the spread of the virus.
"Can we get a handle on this," Higgs said he and others asked. "And so we believe that we can, but we won't do it without the residents being part of it."
Three new cases were announced Thursday in the Campbellton region, or Zone 5, which now has 55 active cases and 300 people in self-isolation.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, said were four separate chains of infection in the region that cannot be linked, a strong indication of community spread of the virus.
Higgs
said he was concerned with the increasing number of cases in Zone 5 and
while the zone technically remains in the orange stage, that may not be
the case for long. (Serge Bouchard/Radio-Canada)
Mass testing will take place Saturday and Sunday in Zone 5 as a way for Public Health to get a more accurate picture of the prevalence of the virus in the community. Russell said Public Health would have the data from the two days of testing by Tuesday.
Testing of non-symptomatic people will be held Saturday at the Memorial Regional Civic Centre in Campbellton and on Sunday at Inch Arran Arena in Dalhousie. Testing will be done from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
This testing isn't for people who have symptoms, since they would follow the usual route to get tested at a testing centre.
Zone 1 hospitals allow more visitors, surgeries
Hospitals in Zone 1 are beginning to loosen restrictions now that the region has moved back into the yellow phase of recoveryy.
The Vitalité Health Network said it will start allowing more visitors and increase elective procedures at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton and Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital in Sainte-Anne-de-Kent.
"The return of Moncton and surrounding area to the yellow phase allows us to now adopt somewhat less restrictive rules for visitors and to gradually re-establish service delivery," said Vitalité CEO Gilles Lanteigne in a news release.
Visits to patients will be allowed between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Patients can only have one visitor at a time, except when in palliative care, when two are allowed.
Patients who have, or are suspected of having, COVID-19 are not allowed to have visitors.
Many questions from public for Higgs, Russell
Premier Blaine Higgs and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell answered COVID-related questions from New Brunswick residents on CBC New Brunswick's Information Morning shows.
One of the most touching calls came from Edwina Baldwin. She said she has not been able to touch her husband, in a nursing home and in the late stages of Alzheimer's, since the province went into lockdown on March 15.
While she has been able to visit him, they must be six feet apart and supervised, and she can't touch him, despite a Sept. 2 announcement that nursing home residents are now allowed to hug one designated person.
Dr.
Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said there is a
strong indication that community spread is happening in Zone 5. (Government of New Brunswick)
"Why can I not touch my husband's hand? Next call I get he'll be on his way," Baldwin said.
Russell explained it is up to each home to determine how it can handle visits with family, based on the home's operational plan and directions from Public Health.
"I find it really sad, obviously," Russell said.
Testing possible for essential workers
After addressing a question about travel outside the Atlantic bubble, Higgs said the government is looking at putting new measures in place to test essential workers who are coming back to New Brunswick.
At present, these workers who come into the province from outside the bubble are not required to self-isolate for 14 days, as most other people are. Higgs said the province plans a testing program.
"We would do it maybe on the first day and tenth day, but we would work out some formula there that basically we'd stay in touch and we'd do the testing just to be sure," Higgs said.
Another caller asked how soon the province would see rapid testing similar to the pilot project being tested in Alberta that will test essential workers coming into Canada.
If the test comes back negative in 48 hours, the person is no longer required to self-isolate but will have to have another test on Day 6 or 7 after arrival.
Participants in the test project will be closely monitored through daily symptom checks and be required to follow preventive health measures such as wearing masks in public places and avoiding visiting high-risk groups.
Russell said her department will be watching what happens in Alberta to see if the ultimate goal of expanding it to other travellers can be done.
"In the meantime, you know, we do have to as, as the premier said, follow the public health directions right now."
Campbellton business community suffering
Luc Couturier said people in Campbellton are scared as the region continues to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We put our guards down and that's what happens."
Couturier owns and operates a family restaurant, Cafe Chez Wes, is the president of the business group Downtown Campbellton, and sits on the board of the Restigouche Chamber of Commerce. He says businesses have been hit hard, including his own.
"I've lost 50 to 60 per cent of my customers in a week or so. Business is very slow right now."
In addition to losing customers because of the suspension of the mini-bubble with Quebec's Avignon region Oct. 8, Couturier said now some businesses are dealing with a closure because of restrictions under the orange phase.
"We already see businesses downtown that will be closing their doors shortly. They can't keep up like that."
Couturier said he gets frustrated when he hears Premier Higgs claims that the economy is good in the province.
"Well I'm sorry, sir, but get out of your office and go in the malls and go in the downtowns. Businesses are suffering."
As a small business owner himself, Couturier said it isn't acceptable that no help was offered to them by the government.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
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Request for Information regarding Service Provider(s) for Federal Quarantine / Isolation sites for The Government of Canada
The Government of Canada (GoC) is considering engaging a Third Party Service Provider for Federal Quarantine / Isolation sites that will be used to house and care for people for public health and other related federal requirements associated with the COVID-19 pandemic response. The Government is seeking feedback from current service providers about potential options for standing up, operating and managing all of the services associated with these sites. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek feedback from potential service providers in order to develop a strategy for the potential future management of these sites going forward.
Should the Government of Canada determine that a third-party managed solution going forward is a viable strategy, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide suppliers the opportunity to bid on the services required as per the schedule contained in this document.
This RFI seeks industry’s feedback to:
i. Obtain supplier feedback, with advice and guidance on the operation of these sites;
ii. Assess industry’s interest in bidding on a potential the contemplated RFP;
iii. Identify and minimize any potential competitive barriers where possible; and
iv. Ensure that potential suppliers can deliver the type of services being requested in a possible upcoming RFP.
I'm more interested in the people you saw hugging at the airport. Right now people returning to NB after working in other provinces aren't required to self-isolate. Me personally, I think they should be.
Are you really saying to follow Alberta, which broke a record 3 days in a row for the most cases, has a surge in covid, and has a major outbreak in foothill and other hospitals??? Or do we do what Thailand and NZ did and require all people 14 self isolation and each has had 100 day with no new cases this summer..
Or we can look to NS that has semi-isolation rules in place for returning workers, so there's a sort of "stop gap" like in domino's to keep the risk to the public lower. It is easier to do this, than to have large outbreaks with community spread and see everyone have to go backwards.
We need some combination of their policies, or as outlined in the CBC article below, to prevent outbreaks from all the exemptions to the 100% effective method of breaking the chains of transmission, and that's quarantines. The virus doesn't move, we move it. Quarantines stop the spread. If the virus isn't here, that means it has to be brought in through those exemptions to quarantine. If people truly must move across borders to where the virus is not controlled, then we must focus our efforts there to take snap shots in time and implement measures to lower the risk to the public, so in the event they do have it, it can be quickly contained. Proactive measures instead of just reactive.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/province-should-reimpose-quarantine-1.5765694 « less
Or we could stop the total lack of common sense altogether, we go back to the time where you either self isolate for 14 days, or you don't enter.
These free range folks are the problem, and attempting to place the blame elsewhere is counterproductive, either fix the problem, or stand aside Higgs.
Its truly amazing to me that so many people who obviously don't behave with integrity because they are well aware that the rules do not apply to them are expected to be called honourable by the sheople they purportedly serve. It is well known that the governments have more former journalists spinning their propaganda than the corporate media has reporters regurgitating what their friends have spewed. Just because political people say it don't make it so but our legitimate opinions in opposition to their spin are easily stifled by websites overseen by the government and their corporate friends. However the rise of social media has put many fancy knickers in quite a knot by merely putting flies in the ointments that are supposed to keep the sheople pacified and obedient. Not everybody is like the mindless sheople who will always believe what they want to believe just like greedy cattle who follow their noses into the abattoir.
Methinks the most interesting revelation this weekend related to the COVID 19 nonsense is the fact that the Fed's inquiry to set up detention centres has finally been exposed by folks in the social media. Now even Trudeau The Younger is trying hard to deny it but it ain't working. The government's publication is irrefutable N'esy Pas?
There is no logic involved here, none whatsoever.
We have so-called leaders, standing before us, blaming and shaming us, while the whole time those very same so-called leaders are wholesale inviting covid 19 in the front door, unfettered by the exemptions they are more than willing to give some, but not all, of us.
Not exactly. They are "blaming and shaming" the citizens of this province while allowing those who have so-called exemptions to skip isolating for 14 days effectively allowing covid 19 to waltz in the front door.
When did that penny drop?
Hardly any cases on our side of the bridge. Blaming Quebec residents is very dishonest when you have absolutely no evidence. Blame yourselves for not following the rules.
As we have virus at both major points of ingress the reality seems to be otherwise.
It's easy to know who is from Quebec and who is from NB when you have lived in an area for 40 years. License plates also help.
Drive by Tim Hortons and there is one Quebec plate and the rest are NB, people sitting across the tables from each other with no masks. Nobody following bubble rules, having big parties and gatherings. I live here, I see it. Then an outbreak happens so they blame Quebecers because they need to blame someone, can;t be their fault.. no no no.
And he demanded of you was your silent, obedient, consent."
"Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor"
Methinks Higgy proves on a daily bassi that the sheople always get the governments they deserve and the rest of us must suffer through it as well. Therein lies the rub N'esy Pas?
If so, the economy can run and bring in taxes, and keep things going. We hope
As we have outbreaks at the 2 major points of ingress I wish you well in your experiment.
Until the next infected person waltzes through our front door with a so-called worker exemption................ then we get to participate in another round of blaming and shaming the citizens, when it's policy causing the problem.
As no one is being held in a nursing home against their will I don't think that will work.
"The Policy" that might be sufficient in the rest of the province, is fubared next door to a highly infected neighbour (quebec), and it is plainly clear that it is fubared. It has been fubared right from the very beginning, it's just that our neighbour was not highly infected.
While I don't have a clue as to what you are talking about, I can agree that Belledune is fubared, and likely to remain fubared.
It's called uncontrolled points of ingress, hence the outbreaks in Campbellton, and Moncton. Up until now we have been lucky, but it is starting to look like the luck has run out, and without a major policy change we will be fubared.
That was "the plan" all along.
Up until recently, this appeared to be something that could be allowed. We got through the first wave March-May, we got through the Zone 5 outbreak earlier this summer. The Avignon municipality directly across the border had low case numbers. But higher case numbers from other parts of Quebec spread into Avignon and now from Avignon they've started to spread into NB. It's time to close the Campbellton bridge until things are back under control on both in Avignon and in Zone 5, *despite* the hardship this will cause.
Your timing is a bit off there James. My eldest boy briefed the PMO on this back in early January, China knew back in last October/November.
Military.
P.S. If you wish to chuckle sometime check my work with the lawyer Mario Dion BEFORE he was ever the Ethics Commissioner now that is truly funny Indeed.
Methinks the arrest of Barry Winters in Edmonton years ago will eventually teach shills for the RCMP that cyberspace is no place to pick fight with real men with real names N'esy Pas?
PS. AFTER ALL WHAT KIND OF MEN HAVE ALL DAY, ALL NIGHT AND EVEN WEEKENDS TO TEASE ME IN CYBERSPACE IF THEY WERE NOT PAID TO DO SO???
Ok George, where did it come from?
After contact tracing there is supposed to be 4 separate and independent sources. As there was no covid 19 in the community a month ago it had to be imported.
So....................................
Methinks if you wish to continue to play dumb introduce me to your lawyer and have that wacko ask your cop buddies in Fat Fred City why i am mentioning you tr o lls in my next lawsuit That is if your lawyer don't already know me Nesy Pas?
Campbellton region sees increased law enforcement presence
'I think it's more to show how serious the situation is right now'
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 24, 2020 6:10 PM AT
There is an increased law enforcement presence in the Campbellton region this weekend as the area grapples with a COVID-19 outbreak. (CBC)
People in the Campbellton region reported a more visible law enforcement presence on Saturday, as officials increased efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the area,
Members of the RCMP and peace officers with the Department of Justice and Department of Public Safety are monitoring the area this weekend for compliance with orange-level restrictions.
Spokesperson Const. Hans Ouellette said the public can expect to see officers in the region over the next few days.
"We're certainly focusing on education and engagement to limit the spread of COVID-19," he sai
Coreen Enos, a spokesperson for Public Safety, said an additional 30 peace officers are in the area to help RCMP and WorkSafeNB.
Enos said officers are watching for mask use and inspecting businesses for compliance with the mandatory orders.
Luc Couturier, the president of Campbellton's downtown business association, said the RCMP presence was visible on Saturday.
"They're going around town, they're going in businesses, checking our operation plans for COVID," he said.
Couturier, who owns Café Chez Wes, said visits have taken place everywhere from the soup kitchen to car dealerships.
"I think it's more to show how serious the situation is right now," he said.
Luc Couturier is the president of Campbellton's downtown business association. (Radio-Canada)
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer, was also in the region on Saturday.
Alysha Elliot, a Public Health spokesperson, said Russell arrived in the Campbellton area on Friday to meet with community leaders at the regional health authorities.
Couturier said he's glad Russell will be able to "see for herself" that most businesses have been following Public Health guidelines.
"Maybe the problems were coming from household reunions, parties, stuff like that, people putting their guards down," he said.
About the Author
With files from Gary Moore
Nailed it!
There are probably a couple on here who would really like to say that, but, have wisely chosen the sound of Crickets.
Tamara MacMillan
I see you are drinking the Kool-aid. Probably easier than admitting you are being "played".
In this case it is deflect and distract.
Masks don't work Bill. They don't work in Ontario. They can't work here. If they were effective then "the flu" shouldn't be an issue, should it? Stop and *think*, why are they pushing the flu shot, if masks are effective? They have mandated masks, yet by their actions, they are admitting they don't work.
Hint: politicians act only in one interest, their own, they care very little for you and I.
Mr Higgs is running a one man show in this province. In regards to covid 19 response he is just following federal guidelines blindly, without accessing the local situation, and modifying those guidelines to fit the local situation. No thinking involved, because if there is one thing he is not, it would be a genius, he has had luck on his side, but luck changes, and we are witnessing that, unfortunately some of us will have to live through it.
For the life of me, I cannot understand your take on masks. It is almost to the point of ridiculousness. What are you missing? I will quote Sarah W here. “ We've been told over and over that non-medical masks don't protect the wearer, they protect the people around the wearer. So if those 70%-85% have been hanging out in close contact with the other 15%-30% who don't wear masks, yes, they could be infected. This is why physical distancing is still important.“
But Dr Russell is providing the guidance based on input, experience from her colleagues across the country and the feds. Higgs is not making those decisions.
I do not own a TV set.
My *take* on masks is this: we had 0, zero, none, community spread without masks. Covid 19 was eradicated completely from our communities. The ONLY way for covid 19 to get into our communities was/is if we were to invite it in by negligent public policy. Enter Mr Higgs, who decided to trade our safe communities for wearing a mask (which is proven ineffective).
I resentfully wear a mask when out, though I am not sick with anything besides poor government acting in their own interests and not those of my friends and neighbors, or the fools who elected them.
Also it is not about ideals, our society, the Charter and Constitution are based on rules of law. In order to have a free society we need to have a set of rules that we all follow. By electing our governments we empower them to enact, invoke, modify those laws. Here in this case we see a minority / dissenter perspective disagreeing with the mandates/ rules the government is applying. That is fine if it is done in a constructive way. But not adhering to those rules is not acceptable. Take the government to court, form a political party and run in the next election. But you can't just say I won't go along because I am a free person.
Higgs has been acting with the federal playbook as a guide and has been extremely lucky. He is not interested in listening to anyone as he now has his majority. I believe his luck is running out and I urge you to pay close attention.
Don't count on it.
You are being played and yet you don't see it
Zone this and zone that, who cares, Higgs traded our safe communities for wearing a mask. He has invited covid 19 into our safe communities and expected an ineffective mask to save his bacon. It's in the federal response playbook. He's not thinking, or modifying policy to fit our situation, and now that the federal response playbook is failing him (like it has failed EVERY other jurisdiction) he is shaming and blaming us for his shortcomings.
No, shut the borders down to free range folks, you want in: isolate for 14 days. It is PERFECTLY REASONABLE, and quite doable.
He won't last that long before everyone gets a good glimpse of "The Great And Wise Higgs".
On the vaccine front it is a 2 shot deal and needs renewed every 2 years.
In regards to mobility, the Supreme court of NFLD sided with the government in a recent decision brought forward by a civil liberties group on the Mobility clause. My sense is that all other provincial courts and the Supreme Court of Canada will also.
Covid-19 has never really stopped. It has been all around us. The controls put in place have aided us in keeping it at bay as long as we did. As to travel from outside, it is a classic situation of a lose lose approach.. If all external travel was stopped, then no food, medical supplies, other consumables we need to live would be available. Hence the exception for essential services. Similarly medical professionals makes some sense. For the rest I would agree they should have closed the door on those unless they self quarantine.
You are making a fairly big assumption there Bill. What happens when it is found a majority have been following the rules? Will you be as quick to put the blame where it belongs? With a very flawed policy.
You are putting your *faith* in a government employee beholding to a politician (Mr Higgs) for a job? Make no mistake Dr Russell isn't calling any shots here.
The numbers are through the roof in Ontario, quebec, and alberta, so instead of suspending the essential worker exemption from self isolating, we have to blame those sick. and police the heck out of them.
Good call Mr Higgs.
I'm willing to bet that those employed will like to continue their employment, and will move, at least temporarily, I know I would.
Otherwise, I guess it's simply decision time........... either do without, or close.
Truckers are different, as they do not free range in our communities, though, technically trucks have and are handed off daily to other drivers/teams.
I really don't care about nurses/doctors who choose not to reside where they work and neither do they by not residing where they work. We certainly are not strangers of the closing, at the drop of a hat, of the hospital in Campbellton, in fact it has become a joke.
The shortage of these folks is due to abysmal mismanagement by successive governments in NB not paying enough and or making it difficult to practice relative to other
We are being "risk managed", someone has decided we need covid 19 more than secure borders, yet they attempt to cover their tracks by deflecting blame to the citizens of NB.
If you are blind to the "game" I certainly can't help you.
I happen to think you are wrong, dead wrong.
I am reminded of the movie: Groundhog Day.
But let's talk about your solution. Are you expecting to do the same for each and every future pandemic or emergency (there will be more)?
No money for health care, but we have lots of money for police, anyone else see something wrong with the vision Mr Higgs has for NB?
Should only take a week to find out if it works, lets hope it does.
No money for health care, but lots of money for police. If you can't see something wrong with this picture you must be blind.
And apparently it's easier and cheaper to blame and shame the citizens than it is to properly change your policy so covid 19 isn't waltzing through our front door.
I'm CERTAIN that current government policy is allowing covid 19 to waltz through our front door, so it is an issue of health, rather than blaming and shaming the citizens of this province. In a grand show of doing something (and accomplishing nothing) those in charge are wasting money on policing that would be better spent ANYWHERE else.
I do see a lot of Quebec vehicles coming into NB
Now you are just being silly. The police are not there to observe that, they are there to observe, blame, and shame the citizens of NB. No money for health care, but lots for police. Good plan Mr Higgs.
Newsflash - New Brunswick can’t afford a police state so how could it ever have one?
Province reports 2 new cases of COVID-19 in Campbellton region
Mass testing for asymptomatic people available this weekend in Zone 5
Trump is guaranteed to win so I’m going to be celebrating my President. Vote Trump.
Nothing works harder than a virus does to spread itself.
https://www.aier.org/article/the-year-of-disguises/
They had 2 choices, either entirely cut off the country from the rest of the world, or attempt to manage it like they did.
I happen to think they made the wrong choice, but who am I to say, somebody in the future will have to figure it out for a history lesson.
For the who look back in history, look to steps taken to contain Ebola outbreaks. It is a tried and true approach, to isolate people to prevent/minimize spread. The economy was a casualty of the isolation.
Everyone has to do their part to #stopthespread
And how exactly will wearing a mask stop covid 19 spread from those not required to self isolate for 14 days?
Seriously, it’s not that complicated, how do you not get it yet, it’s about “risk reduction” not “risk elimination”.
Seriously? You actually believe that? Tell me this then: if masks work what is with wholesale promotion of the flu shot?
You shouldn't need a flu shot if everyone is wearing a mask, that is, if masks actually work.
I wear as required, but it sure has curtailed my shopping efforts, I no longer shop, I just hit and run.
I get ill from the flu shot.
Of course and it is the seeming inability of our government to swiftly change policy is what will infect more of us. I have been saying this for weeks as the infection mounts in the rest of Canada.
Not coming in contact with the virus works 100% last time I checked, and that is what our elected representatives should be striving for, but they are not.
No, there is this thing called "managed risk". Insurance companies use it to limit their pay-outs. Somebody has decided that it is ok to infect our communities, and blame us, instead of a bad policy, for any/all outbreaks.
Instead of modifying the exemption rules they decided we all should wear masks.
Masks they even admit don't really work.
So, we penalize the many to benefit the few...............
Is democracy supposed to work that way?
I don't think so.
And they have the balls to blame (and shame) us when their little risk management game doesn't work.
Mr Higgs publicly said that the outbreaks were due to folks not following his rules, which we know, because we have seen, and they have admitted multiple sources.
You could blame the rules not being followed with only one source, but with multiple sources, you can't pin it on "not following the rules".
They have got nothing else, other than blame and shame for the citizens, because their "great" policies aren't working.
How come the CDC has said that 70-85% of those infected said they faithfully wore masks. Something doesn’t add up if that’s the case.
So, were they already self isolating due to potential exposure when they tested positive?.........or were they out and about in the community and only started self isolation after developing symptoms and/or getting the positive test results?
The story is unclear about this and I would think it makes quite a difference as to showing how things are going in Zone 5.
they need two negative tests to be released from quarantine. You should check the NB website to make sure this is accurate.
"You must self-isolate if any of the following apply:
- you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are waiting to hear the results of a lab test for COVID-19
- you have been told by public health that you may have been exposed to COVID-19
- you have travelled outside the Atlantic bubble in the last 14 days
- you have two or more symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild:
-- fever above 38°C
-- a new cough or worsening chronic cough
-- sore throat
-- runny nose
-- difficulty breathing
-- headache"
I'd like to know if these new cases are before the
new testing going on in Campbellton this week-end
or are they new finds !!!! I'm anxious to know if there is
community spread going on there !!!
Trade Agreement: CETA / CFTA
Request for Information regarding Service Provider(s) for Federal Quarantine / Isolation sites for The Government of Canada
The Government of Canada (GoC) is considering engaging a Third Party Service Provider for Federal Quarantine / Isolation sites that will be used to house and care for people for public health and other related federal requirements associated with the COVID-19 pandemic response. The Government is seeking feedback from current service providers about potential options for standing up, operating and managing all of the services associated with these sites. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek feedback from potential service providers in order to develop a strategy for the potential future management of these sites going forward.
Should the Government of Canada determine that a third-party managed solution going forward is a viable strategy, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide suppliers the opportunity to bid on the services required as per the schedule contained in this document.
This RFI seeks industry’s feedback to:
i. Obtain supplier feedback, with advice and guidance on the operation of these sites;
ii. Assess industry’s interest in bidding on a potential the contemplated RFP;
iii. Identify and minimize any potential competitive barriers where possible; and
iv. Ensure that potential suppliers can deliver the type of services being requested in a possible upcoming RFP
It’s why they will always just be “under investigation”.
Can you not see how they are manipulating their own data to ignore their own action plan?
It would not in that in my opinion.
They don’t want us to know from where the cases originate.
The lack of transparency is disturbing and most likely political.
Of course. The term is "managed risk", the risk to your health (and life) is being "managed". How do you like them apples.
Yeah. They manage. I risk.
New Brunswick reports 2 COVID-19 deaths on Sunday
2 new cases reported; active cases at 65
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 25, 2020 1:25 PM AT
New Brunswick reported two new deaths from COVID-19 on Sunday. (The Canadian Press/NIAID-RML via AP)
New Brunswick officials have confirmed the province's fifth and sixth deaths related to COVID-19.
Public Health said one of the deaths was a person between 70 and 79 in the Moncton region (Zone 1), the other was between 40 and 49 and is from the Campbellton region (Zone 5). Both died because of "underlying complications" including COVID-19, according to a release issued by the province.
Premier Blaine Higgs said in a statement he expresses his condolences to the families and friends of the individuals.
"Today's news is a heartbreaking reminder that we all must do everything we can to slow and prevent the spread of this disease," he said.
Dalhousie Mayor Normand Pelletier said it was "extremely disappointing" to hear of another death in his region.
"It hurts when you see what happens with this virus," he said.
'Kind of a wake up call'
People in Dalhousie have been mourning the loss of a local man to COVID-19 last week. The death of Rheal Vautour, who was in his 70s, was announced on Wednesday.
Pelletier said he hopes there are no more deaths from the virus in the region and he is praying people take action to stop the spread.
"I think this is going to rattle a lot of people in the county, especially a young lady like this at 49 years of age," he said. "I think this is going to be kind of a wake up call."
The news comes as the Campbellton region grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19 placing it on the verge of returning to tighter restrictions. The area is the only part of the province under the orange-level recovery phase.
Dalhousie
Mayor Normand Pelletier said he thinks the region's second death
related to COVID-19 will "rattle a lot of people." (Bridget Yard/CBC )
Members of the RCMP and peace officers with the Department of Justice and Department of Public Safety are monitoring the region this weekend for compliance with orange-level restrictions.
Coreen Enos, a Public Safety spokesperson, said five tickets have been issued for violation of the Emergency Measures Act.
Pelletier said residents should take heightened precautions and act as if they are under red-level restrictions.
"We've got to nip this down right away as soon as possible, if not it's going to continue to do havoc here," he said.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, is visiting Restigouche County this weekend as mass testing for asymptomatic people is underway. She said in a statement she extends her "deepest sympathies" to everyone impacted in both regions.
"The impact this virus is having on all of us is indescribable," Russell said. "Kindness and compassion, along with strict adherence to two metre distancing, and mask use are how we will get through this together."
2 new cases
The province also confirmed two new cases of the virus on Sunday.
One is an individual between 40 and 49 in the Campbellton region, and the source of the infection in that case remains under investigation.The second new case is travel-related in an individual between 20 and 29 in the Fredericton region (Zone 3).
Public Health said both cases are self-isolating.
Four people are in the hospital in the province due to the virus.
Residents in Zone 5 have been asked to limit their contacts to a single-household bubble, plus a caregiver or member of their immediate family.
There have been 328 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. There have been 257 recoveries.
Mass testing in Dalhousie
Public Health is making testing available in Dalhousie on Sunday for people without symptoms.
No appointment is necessary and asymptomatic people do not need to self-isolate while waiting for results, unless advised otherwise by Public Health.
Testing will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis until 7 p.m. at the Inch Arran Arena in Dalhousie.
Mass COVID-19 testing being done on Sunday in Dalhousie. René Arseneault (Facebook/René Arseneault)
M.P. René Arseneault, who represents Madawaska—Restigouche, went to get tested in Dalhousie as soon as the doors opened on Sunday.
He
posted photos on Facebook of the lineup to get inside the building, as
well as pictures inside the stadium. He said the whole process took less
than an hour.
File d’attente déjà tôt ce matin à Dalhousie pour le test volontaire du Covid-19. Hier ça se passait à Campbellton. Bravo aux gens du Restigouche pour votre participation et pour votre collaboration. Les portes ne sont pas encore ouvertes.
The doors are not open yet for the voluntary COVID-19 testing. People waiting in line at the Dalhousie Inch Arran. Yesterday it was in Campbellton. Congratulations to the people of Restigouche for their participation and for their collaboration.
People with symptoms are asked to request a test online or call Tele-Care 811 for an appointment.
Mass testing was available in Campbellton on Saturday and drew large lines to the Memorial Civic Centre.
Alysha Elliott, a Public Health spokesperson, said about 1,300 people came to get tested at that location.
Elliot said Russell and other health officials plan to visit the region regularly in the coming weeks. But there are no plans to open an office in the area.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms are asked to:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
About the Author
David Amos
"Both died because of "underlying complications" including COVID-19"
The "underlying complications" being our government's managed risk policy.
And because our inept government has adopted a "managed risk" policy without *thinking*, this is what you get: no "wins", only losses.
The other issue though that is causing lots of discontent is the fact that in our Federation, provinces do their own thing as they are the government responsible to deliver health care. The feds have a minor role. However since March, different provinces have taken different approaches on many things. Now there are regional areas within provinces with differences. But it has nothing to do with being truthful or not truthful. It's the way our elected officials have decided to exercise the power we gave them. For those that are really dissatisfied, that should be the impetus for them to get involved in politics or form a party and run in the next election and appeal to the people vote.
Well Bill, there are no specific "guidelines' for workers deemed essential.
That is "the problem" I've been "spouting off about" for the past 3 months and it's finally coming home to roost.
It's hard to accept this is not a police state when our elected government is so quick to put their dogs on us.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-covid-19-campbellton-mayor-covid-19-rules-1.5776709
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 3 new cases in province, hundreds quarantine in Campbellton region
Campbellton Mayor Stephanie Anglehart-Paulin says Public Safety is enforcing mask message
Latest
- 3 new cases confirmed
- Results of Saturday mass testing in Campbellton all negative
- 'People are going to get the point,' mayor says
- What to do if you have a symptom
New Brunswick reported three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Monday and eight more people have recovered.
The total number of active cases in the province now stands at 60.
The new cases include two people in their 70s in the Fredericton region (Zone 3) whose illnesses are related to international travel, and a person in their 60s in the Campbellton region (Zone 5). That case is under investigation.
All three individuals are self-isolating, Public Health said in a news release.
"You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family — except during a pandemic," Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, said in a statement.
"We want all New Brunswickers to keep their close contact numbers to a minimum. Help New Brunswick and the Atlantic bubble fight off the second wave. Let's work together but apart."
There are 17 active cases in the Moncton health region (Zone 1), three cases in the Fredericton region, and 40 cases in the Campbellton region.
Four people are in hospital, none in intensive care.
New Brunswick has had 331 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March. Of those, 265 people have recovered and six have died.
A total of 98,251 COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far, including 1,504 on Sunday.
Results of Saturday mass testing in Campbellton all negative
All of the COVID-19 tests conducted Saturday at the Memorial Civic Centre in Campbellton came back negative, according to Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health.
Mass testing was offered over the weekend to people in the Campbellton region (Zone 5) who have no symptoms.
About 2,500 people were tested over the two days in Campbellton and Dalhousie, where schools are among the places that have seen COVID-19 cases during an outbreak that began more than two weeks ago.
Roughly 1,300 people were tested Saturday, Public Health had said.
As of Monday night, the results of the tests conducted Sunday at the Inch Arran Arena in Dalhousie were not yet publicly available.
The tests are still being analyzed, Russell. "We hope that we will have all the results either tonight [Monday] or tomorrow morning [Tuesday]."
Tests take 24 to 48 hours to process at the microbiology laboratory at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, Public Health has said.
Campbellton Mayor Anglehart-Paulin said she was happy with the number of people who took part in the mass testing.
"That's almost 10 per cent of the population and that's what [Public Health] wanted," she said.
'People are going to get the point'
Campbellton Mayor Stephanie Anglehart-Paulin says she hopes the support shown by Public Health and the enforcement by Public Safety in Zone 5 over the weekend sends the necessary message about COVID-19 to those who need it.
"We must have 50 vehicles in town stopping and fining people with no masks, so people are going to get the point."
But the mayor said the enforcement is needed so COVID-19 doesn't continue to spread even if it's only about nine per cent of the population not complying.
"Some aren't taking it well."
Anglehart-Paulin said the contact tracing revealed each person contacted had 20 contacts.
"In a region of 25,000 there were over 400 in quarantine. That's a big number."
She said she thinks people finally understand.
"I think they finally seen that it was community spread."
Residents in Zone 5 have been asked to limit their contacts to a single-household bubble, plus a caregiver or member of their immediate family.
The mayor said she didn't personally know the person whose death was one of the two announced Sunday by Public Health but knows people who did.
"So, you know, that's how we're connected," she explained of the close connections in the region.
It was the second death in Zone 5 during this latest outbreak. The death of Rheal Vautour, who was in his 70s, was announced last Wednesday.
Campbellton
Mayor Stéphanie Anglehart-Paulin is hopeful people will comply with the
Public Health measures and the region will return to the less
restrictive yellow level of COVID-19 recovery before Christmas. (Radio-Canada/Serge Bouchard)
And while Anglehart-Paulin is telling people in the city to follow the rules, so the region can move on to the less restrictive yellow phase, she said some of the restrictions now being applied don't make sense.
"There are some rules that are a little out of whack. Like I have no idea why I can't get a haircut, but there are certain establishments that are still open that you can have women dancing in front of you."
Anglehart-Paulin said she hopes Premier Blaine Higgs follows through on his offer to listen to feedback.
But she said she will continue to offer encouragement to those who need to hear it.
"We got through this in June with no knowledge and no understanding like we have today. We're going to get through this. It's 14 days of don't move around too much."
Anglehart-Paulin said if people comply then families will be able to enjoy Christmas.
"Otherwise it's going to go to the middle of November and then it's going to go to the middle of December. And the next thing we know will be in the middle of January."
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
With files from Information Morning Moncton and Radio-Canada
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
Gerald Celente
Reply to @David Amos: So to make an interesting and articulate how ever lengthy story short - We the people always get the government we deserve and truth prevails. Agreed.
David Amos
Reply to @Gerald Celente: Methinks it would not be wise for me to agree within a self professed anarchist N'esy Pas?
"Well I guess at least we didn't msee the name Bombardier or SNC or Pomerleau so at least there's a minimal chance this is on the up and up . Slight , but there is a chance !"
In my humble opinion this nonsense all about what it is always money and control. The "New Normal" is now the new religion for the sheople who are afraid of their own shadow. Anyone who tries to reason with them are conspiracy theorists or whatever and should be fined bigtime or locked up ASAP. However with a lot of people losing their shirts and all the protests around the world that the media does not wish to talk about Higgy et al must admit to themselves the worm is turning on their popularity Hence the snap elections in an effort to secure majority mandates for their benefit not ours before the news gets worse N'esy Pas?
Want to see what happens when people don’t care about it? 227,000 dead in the USofA and counting...
Want to see that happen here? Then don’t report the dangers or the consequences of this virus and see what happens.
The reason there are so few deaths is because people in NB have largely heeded the medical advice on how to combat a pandemic.
Masks are like pants.... try peeing on my leg when you and I are wearing pants, I bet my leg doesn’t even get wet. Same principle with masks.
Would appear your reading comprehension is not so good!
"We must have 50 vehicles in town stopping and fining people with no masks so people are going to get the point."
Individuals who fail to self-isolate following international travel can also be prosecuted for committing an offence under the federal Quarantine Act, which carries a maximum penalty of a $750,000 fine and imprisonment for six months. This can be increased to a maximum fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for three years if the offence is committed 'wilfully or recklessly' and it causes 'a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person.'"
Can you even believe that our government denies it both deliberately makes itself impossible to take seriously and deliberately creates the counter-culture on the receiving end of these fines?
Once again, the messaging/cognitive dissonance is the problem. You already know this but you don't stop. I can't believe you don't stop.
I don't think it would have been pretty.
Using your logic, any vaccine can be seen as a carrot on the end of a stick too, no?
Trade Agreement: CETA / CFTA
Request for Information regarding Service Provider(s) for Federal Quarantine / Isolation sites for The Government of Canada
The Government of Canada (GoC) is considering engaging a Third Party Service Provider for Federal Quarantine / Isolation sites that will be used to house and care for people for public health and other related federal requirements associated with the COVID-19 pandemic response. The Government is seeking feedback from current service providers about potential options for standing up, operating and managing all of the services associated with these sites. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek feedback from potential service providers in order to develop a strategy for the potential future management of these sites going forward.
Should the Government of Canada determine that a third-party managed solution going forward is a viable strategy, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide suppliers the opportunity to bid on the services required as per the schedule contained in this document.
This RFI seeks industry’s feedback to:
i. Obtain supplier feedback, with advice and guidance on the operation of these sites;
ii. Assess industry’s interest in bidding on a potential the contemplated RFP;
iii. Identify and minimize any potential competitive barriers where possible; and
iv. Ensure that potential suppliers can deliver the type of services being requested in a possible upcoming RFP.
Utah hospitals could be days away from using a patient's age, health and other factors to decide who can remain in overcrowded intensive care units due to an onslaught of Covid-19 cases.
Or, just maybe, a lot of folks don't *think* it is the job of an elected official (a politician) to put the dogs (the police) on them to "make them behave".
Should they turn a blind eye and allow anarchy to run rampant in the streets? I hope not. I remember the October 1970 Crisis in Montreal had mail boxes blowing up on street corners, why, all because the government failed to take prescriptive action early. Not a Higgs fan but they are doing the right thing.
Last I heard about politicians directing police "actions" was in pre WW2 Germany.
Montreal was just a bit different, the war measures was invoked.
But Higgs doesn't need to direct the police. It is their job to enforce the laws as required to ensure compliance.
Right, we'll show them, we'll send in the brown shirts.
If you can't see something fundamentally very wrong here I can't help you.
Well worth repeating
You want to see this happen here??
So, a question for you.
The virus is passed from person to person from breathing/talking at close range. Masks and distancing reduce the chances of getting it from someone who may not know they have it.
Are you more likely to get it from someone close enough to cut your hair with you both talking to each other or from someone dancing on a stage where you are not talking to each other.
I think things will come around, Higgs is the only Premier to pay down "Debt", and get things under control, I have confidence in the Government getting things back to normal, quickly.
It was political and pressure from MSM.
Something to do businesses needing to stay open disguised as and about human rights .
MSM was all for open border.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-new-brunswick-cases-1.5778561
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 3 new cases of COVID-19 in Campbellton region
2 cases identified in mass testing Sunday
There are three new cases of COVID-19 in Zone 5. (Serge Bouchard/Radio-Canada)
Latest
- 2 of 3 new cases found in mass testing in Dalhousie
- Halloween not permitted in Zone 5
- Mask rule 'reasonable,' commissioner finds
- Guidelines in place for trick-or-treating under yellow
- What to do if you have a symptom
There are three new cases of COVID-19 in Zone 5, the Campbellton region.
Public Health said two of the three cases were identified in the mass testing conducted Sunday in Dalhousie.
About 1,135 people were tested that day, but not all of the results have been processed. No cases were detected in mass testing in Campbellton.
Two of the new cases reported Tuesday are people in their 50s, and the third is someone in their 80s. All three are self-isolating.
The total number of active cases is 55, and five more people have recovered since Monday. Four people are in hospital but no one is in the intensive care unit.
There are 37 active cases in the Campbellton region, 15 in Zone 1, the Moncton region, and 3 in Zone 3, the Fredericton region.
New Brunswick has had 334 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March. Of those, 273 people have recovered and six have died.
As of Monday, 99,756 tests have been conducted, including 1,505 on Monday.
Mask rule 'reasonable,' commissioner finds
The government's mandatory mask rule in public spaces is "reasonable and balanced in light of the public health goal and urgency," New Brunswick Human Rights Commission chair Claire Roussel-Sullivan said Tuesday.
The province implemented the mandatory order under the Emergency Measures Act on Oct. 8 in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"In particular, we are pleased to see that the mandatory order applies the principles of the duty to accommodate under the act by accommodating individuals who are not able to wear a mask due to age, mental disability, or physical disability," Roussel-Sullivan said in a news release.
The
New Brunswick Human Rights Commission chair Claire Roussel-Sullivan
said the government’s mandatory mask rule in public spaces is
"reasonable and balanced in light of the public health goal and
urgency.” (Narongpon Chaibot/Shutterstock)
Roussel-Sullivan said the commission had received numerous requests from various service providers and government departments to make sure the mandatory order was being followed properly.
Those who are exempt from wearing a mask because of health or other reasons should communicate that, so the "reasonable" accommodation can be found, the release said.
"Businesses are urged to seek alternative ways to offer their services and individuals who are exempt from mask wearing are required to accept reasonable accommodation while also paying special attention to physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and avoid, as much as possible, crowded places," the release said.
No Halloween in Zone 5
Public Health said while Zone 5 is in the orange phase of recovery, door-to-door trick-or-treating and handing out treats are not permitted.
Residents can only celebrate Halloween with their household bubble, and parties outside of household bubbles are not allowed.
"It is recommended that residents keep contacts to a minimum."
Halloween in yellow level
Public Health said the remainder of New Brunswick which is under the yellow level can celebrate Halloween with door-to-door trick-or-treating but must follow some guidelines. They include:
- if children go door-to-door, they should avoid contact with anyone in their bubble who is at higher risk for several days following Halloween;
- informal indoor and outdoor celebrations are permitted with a maximum of 50 people but a list of participants must be maintained; and
- any business, organization or group that plans an event, including malls, are required to have an operational plan for any Halloween activities, must keep a list of participants, and must ensure the use of masks in public spaces and ensure that physical distancing is practised.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
Yea Right So says the politically appointed minion who was give her new ob 3 day before Higgy dropped the writ on an election nobody wanted
Methinks she is merely doing as ordered justlike all the others who had that position before her did N'esy Pas?
But I'm going to keep putting things into things and see what happens. Have a nice night Lou!
I had a Mexican bean/beef/and rice dinner last night, and dropped my own writ this morning, early.
I think, if you watch this space closely, you will see a definite shift away from anything that could be considered bad policy, as the powers that be have decided to deflect any/all blame to the citizens.
If you read carefully, they can't even keep their stories straight, within the same news item. It is to the point I don't find much, if anything, credible here anymore.
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 3 new cases in province, mass testing for Belledune
Asymptomatic people can be tested in Belledune on Friday after case at generating station
Latest
- Mass testing planned for Belledune
- What to do if you have a symptom
Three new cases of COVID-19 were announced in New Brunswick on Wednesday.
The cases include two people in their 20s in the Fredericton region, Zone 3, and someone 70 to 79 years old in the Campbellton region, Zone 5.
Public Health said the new Zone 3 cases are related to international travel, while the Zone 5 case remains under investigation.
Eight more people have recovered since Tuesday, bringing the province's total number of active cases down to 47. Four people are in the hospital but no one is in the intensive care unit.
There are 33 active cases in the Campbellton region, nine active cases in the Moncton region, Zone 1, and five active cases in the Fredericton region.
New Brunswick has reported a total of 337 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have been 284 recoveries and six deaths.
The province conducted 753 tests on Tuesday for a total of 100,507 since the start of the pandemic in March.
Mass testing planned for Belledune
Health officials announced plans to hold a mass testing event later this week in Belledune, where an employee at NB Power's Belledune Generating Station tested positive for COVID-19.
Mayor Joe Noel said NB Power informed him of the case on Oct. 18. He did not know if the worker was from Belledune or another community.
Mass testing will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis only for those who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. People are asked to bring their New Brunswick medicare card.
The testing clinic will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Belledune Recreation and Cultural Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Belledune was originally not included when an outbreak sent the Campbellton region back into the orange phase of recovery efforts on Oct 9. The village about 77 kilometres southeast of Campbellton was brought under orange-level restrictions on Oct. 22.
A worker at NB Power's generating plant in Belledune tested positive for COVID-19. (CBC)
The Vitalité Health Network said in a news release the goal of the mass testing is to "get an accurate picture" of the presence of COVID-19 in the community.
Residents of other health zones are asked not to attend.
Since the clinic is for those without symptoms, people who get tested will not be required to self-isolate while waiting for results. Those with symptoms should call Tele-Care 811 or complete the province's online self-assessment tool to schedule an appointment.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
About the Author
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
You just don't want to say they seem to make up whatever rules whenever they like................... but, whatever today's rules, play nice or they will send the police, maybe.
Happy as a clam living in very polluted water. How about you? Ready for another go at groundhog day "a la Higgs"?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/woodstock-school-confirms-covid-19-case-1.5785049
N.B. COVID roundup: 1 new case at Woodstock school, Halloween guidance
Case confirmed at Townsview School, which has about 600 students
- Positive case at Townsview school
- Woodstock mayor confident in response
- 1 new case in the Fredericton region
- 'Steady' turnout at Belledune mass testing
- Public Health guidance for Halloween
A Woodstock school is reporting a confirmed case of COVID-19.
The case is at Townsview School, which has about 600 students in grades K-8.
David McTimoney, superintendent of the Anglophone West School District, confirmed the case on Saturday. Parents and staff were notified through a letter.
McTimoney said he could not specify whether the case is a student or staff member.
"We know that the school and the district will work through this situation together and respond as needed," he said.
The school will remain open on Monday. Public Health is conducting contact tracing and will notify people who need to self-isolate and get tested.
Townsview is the seventh school in New Brunswick to report a case of COVID-19, and the first outside the Campbellton region (Zone 5). Woodstock is in Zone 3.
McTimoney said communication with Public Health officials has gone well.
"We're ready for the days ahead," he said.
Mayor confident in response
The case of COVID-19 in the border community comes after cases have more than doubled in nearby Maine.
While the U.S. land border remains closed to most travel, some essential workers are still permitted to cross.
Woodstock Mayor Arthur Slipp first heard of the case at the school when reached by CBC News. He said the province has tightened entry requirements for visitors from Maine.
"I've had conversations with only mayors along the border and we were very, very pleased to see the province step forward with more supervision and regulation of cross-border traffic," he said.
New Brunswick announced a set of modified self-isolation guidelines for workers on Thursday. It does not apply to daily commuters or truckers.
Workers will be able to leave isolation to access essential goods and services, provided they wear a mask and practise physical distancing.
Woodstock Mayor Arthur Slipp said trick-or-treating is discouraged in the community this Halloween. (Sarah Morin/CBC)
Slipp said Carleton County has been proactive in following Public Health guidelines and he has confidence in response efforts.
The town's council passed a resolution discouraging trick-or-treating on Halloween this year. A "tunnel of doom" is being held this afternoon at the AYR Motor Centre as an alternative event, along with a scarier version at night for older kids.
"We were discouraging large groups and gatherings of youth in particular to go throughout different sections of town," Slipp said.
The Woodstock Minor Hockey Association cancelled hockey for all divisions this weekend, as a "precautionary measure" while contact tracing is underway.
An unrelated hockey game scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6 in the Campbellton region has been pushed back due to orange-level restrictions in that area. The Grand Falls Rapids and the Campbellton Tigers will now play at the Campbellton Memorial Civic Centre on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., if health guidelines permit.
1 new case
New Brunswick announced one new case of COVID-19 and two recoveries on Saturday.
The case is an individual age 19 or under in the Fredericton region. Public Health said it is connected to an existing case related to international travel, and the individual is self-isolating.
The province now has 39 active cases of the virus. Five people are in the hospital, but no one is in intensive care.
There are 27 active cases in the Campbellton region, seven active cases in the Fredericton region, and four active cases in the Moncton region (Zone 1).
There have been 343 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. Six people have died and 299 have recovered.
The province conducted 568 tests on Friday for a total of 102,163 since the start of the pandemic in March.
'Steady' turnout at Belledune mass testing
Public Health said 259 individuals turned out to a mass testing clinic offered in Belledune on Friday. That community borders the Campbellton and Bathurst regions and was moved back to the orange level last week-
Mayor Joe Noel said on Friday there was "steady stream" of people going to get tested throughout the day.
"I don't see very many people not abiding by the rules, which is a good thing," he told Shift NB. "People are concerned for themselves and for their neighbours, and you know for their parents and grandparents.
A
worker at NB Power's Belledune Generating Station tested positive for
COVID-19. Mass testing was held in the community on Friday. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Noel said returning to orange was "a necessity" and he's pleased with the response from Public Health.
The village postponed a drive-thru trick-or-treating event which will be rescheduled for early November.
"Children and their parents in the Woodstock area should continue to feel confident about enjoying Halloween as planned if they have not received a call from Public Health," said Bruce Macfarlane, a spokesperson for Public Health.
Halloween guidance
Trick-or-treating is allowed to proceed in yellow level regions of New Brunswick on Saturday.
But going door-to-door will not be permitted in the Campbellton region, which remains in the orange phase.
Public Health says people who are handing out treats should sanitize their hands between visitors, keep high-touch areas such as door handles and railings clean and consider offering non-food treats such as stickers.
Trick-or-treaters should also wash their hands before heading out and upon returning home.
New Brunswick Public Health has issued guidelines for trick-or-treating. (John Robertson/CBC)
Other recommendations include:
- Do not wear Halloween masks, only COVID-19 masks.
- Consider organizing costume parades so children can show off their costumes while maintaining physical distancing.
- Trick-or-treaters should limit themselves to one neighbourhood and keep track of where they go.
- Do not permit children to take candy from a bowl of treats unless the treats are arranged so that children wonʼt come in contact with other treats when they grab theirs. Doing up individual treat bags is a good option.
- People who don't want to participate should put up a sign, such as: Have a happy and safe Halloween; no visitors please.
Public Health has created a COVID-19: Have a Fun and Safe Halloween list of guidelines.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on the government website at gnb.ca.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included: a fever above 38 C, a new cough or worsening chronic cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
About the Author
With files from Philip Drost
If you insist.
Groundhog Day a la Higgs, lots more mileage in this story, stay tuned.
Woodstock is a bit of a transportation hub with quite a few trucking companies.
Translation: lots of workers deemed essential.
It was only a matter of time under the current very lax rules.
Don't count on it. Distancing and arrows in stores were rendered meaningless by everyone having to wear masks in most folks minds up this way. Hope is good, but actions are really what counts.
I believe most are sick and tired of Groundhog Day "a la Higgs".
I just pass by to see the daily dose of whoppers, and tall tales, though I do admit to getting angry when incompetence costs lives.
Sick of it is an understatement. They call it "Covid fatigue" because they absolutely must craft clever names for things. I'm leaning hard towards calling it something else entirely but I won't because I'd like these words to show up on this page.
"The vaccine" and it's reception will be another matter entirely. I'm hearing 2 doses, a week apart, every 2 years. Certainly a gift to some that will keep giving forever.
We will see what they use for a medium, there are more folks than ever allergic to eggs, which should make things interesting.
Keeping close track of us. A lot of us live rurally, many times our phones don't ping off more than one tower at a time, you can't triangulate a single ping.
There is a GPS chip in your phone, just like with on-star in your vehicle, but they either need a warrant, or your permission, to activate it and use it as an identifier. By downloading the app and installing it you are giving permission.
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