COVID-19: Hundreds of NB health workers self-isolate as hospitalizations rise – New Brunswick | The Canadian News

The New Brunswick government urges residents to limit their contacts and prepare for a grim COVID-19 situation in the coming weeks.

In a news release on Wednesday, the province said it expects 220 active hospitalizations by early February.

“We all need to be prepared for COVID-19 and have a plan to make sure we have enough supplies to take care of ourselves and our families,” Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said in the statement.

There are currently 369 health workers in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, with the province saying “the health care system and other critical services” could be affected.

“New Brunswickers are encouraged to prepare ahead of time by having a basic plan for isolation, keeping supplies such as medicine and food on hand,” the province said.

1 death, hospitalizations on the rise

On Wednesday, the province said a man in his 80s died of COVID-19 in the Saint John region.

Public health reported a total of 94 active hospitalizations, six more than Tuesday, including 10 people in intensive care. Four New Brunswickers with COVID-19 are on a ventilator.

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Hospitalizations include 74 people age 60 and older and one person age 19 or younger.

According to the statement, 73 percent of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or more than six months have passed since their second dose.

“The rate of people hospitalized and in the ICU continues to heavily affect people who are not vaccinated,” the province said.

Dr. Russell said in the statement that the rate of hospitalized COVID-positive patients is increasing.

Of those currently in the hospital, he said 34 “came into the hospital for treatment for something unrelated to COVID and tested positive once they were admitted.”

In addition, the province reported 359 new cases confirmed by PCR and 688 new positive results from rapid tests that were referred to public health.

However, the province notes that the number “should not be intended to be taken as a true representation of the total number of cases in the province.”

The province continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated against the virus and receive booster doses.

More than 23,100 booster dose appointments have been booked in the province since Monday, after they were opened to anyone over the age of 18 as long as five months have passed since their second dose.