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.

Slowing the spread of the virus can reduce the number of people becoming sick all at once; this will in turn improve the response of the healthcare system including public health and hospitals.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

For the latest Canadian updates, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Number of individuals

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.

Schools and early learning and child-care facilities

Effective Monday, March 16, all schools across the province will be closed for two weeks. This is in response to the COVID-19 situation. This closure will be reassessed on an ongoing basis. 

All individuals who have travelled internationally on or after March 9. Those travellers are to avoid early learning and childcare centres for a period of 14 days.

Individuals with question relating to schools and early learning and child-care facilities may call 1-844-288-3888.

International Travellers

All travellers arriving in Canada from international points as of March 13, 2020 must 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.

All international travellers must 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.  

For more information on travel, visit our travel page.

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