Coronavirus

Coronovirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus not previously identified in people. COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan in China on December 31, in 2019. Globally the situation is evolving rapidly, many countries around the world have cases and the World Health Organization has declared the virus a pandemic. A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect people and can spread easily from person to person. Because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads worldwide.

In some countries there is rapid and widespread transmission with large numbers of people being ill at the same time.  While most cases of COVID-19 cause mild infections, the elderly and those with chronic underlying conditions are most at risk for severe illness.  Without measures to reduce the spread of the virus there can be an dramatic increase of severely ill people who require medical care and hospitalizations within a short period of time.  Health care systems may become overloaded.

Slowing the spread of the virus can the number of people becoming sick all at once.  This can be achieved through a combination of public health measures and the actions individuals and communities can take to prevent infections, save lives and minimize impact.   We have to modify our behaviours including personal hygiene measures, like frequent hand-washing, covering our coughs, and practicing social distancing.

Be Informed     Be Safe     Be Prepared     Be Kind

 
There are currently 176 confirmed cases 4 probable cases and 1 death in Canada. For more information visit the Public Health Agency of Canada. The cases in Canada are travel-related and are being isolated to prevent further transmission.

There are currently 1 confirmed* and 1 probable case** case and 0 deaths in New Brunswick. 
   

New Brunswick Testing and Cases

*Confirmed cases are those confirmed positive by the National Microbiology Lab (NML) in Winnipeg.

**Probable cases are those found to have a presumptive positive by the George Dumont Lab but have not yet received a confirmed positive by the NML.

***Negative cases are those found to have a negative confirmation by the NML lab in Winnipeg.  

Screening testing is done by the Dr. Georges L. Dumont Hospital

Confirmatory testing is done by the National Microbiology Laboratory.

Public Health is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19. This is a rapidly evolving situation and updated information and guidance will be provided as it becomes available.

International Travellers

All travellers arriving in Canada from international points are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution. All travellers arriving in Canada from Hubei, China, Iran and Italy should self-isolate for 14 days.   Self-isolation means staying at home and avoiding contact with other people to help prevent the spread of disease to others in your home and your community.

If you are unsure if you should be isolating yourself, or if you have questions on how to do it, contact Regional Public Health or call Tele-Care 8-1-1.  

All international travellers should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning to Canada. If you start having symptoms (headache, congestion, achiness, feeling unwell) or your symptoms get worse (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible.  Immediately call Tele-care 8-1-1. Describe your symptoms and travel history.  They will provide advice on what you should do.  

All individuals who have travelled outside the country should not visit those most at risk for severe illness. All international travelers are restricted entering any health-care facilities and long-term care facilities for 14 days after they have returned to Canada. We are very concerned about keeping this infection out of nursing homes, seniors’ residences, and other locations where vulnerable people are. Anyone who is feeling unwell should not enter such a facility. 

On March 13, the Government advises to postpone or cancel all non-essential travel outside of Canada. This means reconsidering vacations, sporting and entertainment events, large international conferences and other elective travel. By making the choice to stay at home and not travel, you are protecting yourself, your family and doing your part to help us to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. 

This is especially important for older adults and people with underlying medical conditions who are at a higher risk of developing severe disease. In addition, it is particularly important for health care workers and others who come into close contact with these individuals to avoid travel.

It is also important to remember that if you travel abroad, you could be subject to the measures of other countries. Your one-week trip may become much longer. You may also have reduced access to quality healthcare.

Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Travel Advice page for current travel advisories, health risks, and safety and security abroad.   

New Brunswick’s public health officials are carefully monitoring the situation in Canada, and around the world, and are ready to respond should there be any cases in New Brunswick. They are:

• working closely with federal, provincial and territorial partners to share information and assess potential health risks
• ensuring our health system is ready to respond effectively if needed
• ensuring front-line health professionals have information about the virus so they can:
  • take recommended actions
  • promptly report suspected cases to public health officials
  • investigate of persons who may have been exposed and are potentially at risk of developing illness to help prevent spread