New Brunswick is urging immunosuppressed people and those in high priority groups to receive their booster shots, as the province reports three more deaths due to COVID-19.
The deaths involve a 70-year-old in Zone 1 (Moncton region) and two 80-year-olds in Zone 2 (Saint John region).
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As of Tuesday, there are 56 hospitalized with COVID-19, including 16 in intensive care. Of those who are hospitalized, 37 are over 60 and 11 have ventilators, according to the province.
“Our high-priority groups are at the highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer for health in a statement.
“The best way to prevent serious illness is to follow public health recommendations and get the COVID-19 booster shot.”
Immunosuppressed people and those in the following priority groups can reserve a booster dose if at least five months have passed since their second dose:
- people over 50 years old
- First nations
- residents of nursing homes and adult residential facilities, including members of your immediate family who are 18 years of age or older
- healthcare staff, including those working in long-term care facilities, regional health authorities, and Extra-Mural / Ambulance New Brunswick
- school staff and staff of early childhood education centers and nurseries
Based on PCR test results, Public Health reports 746 new COVID-19 cases and 73 recoveries.
Starting at 11:59 p.m., the province will begin reserving CRP tests for people who are most at risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19.
The groups are:
- Symptomatic people and 50 years of age or older
- Symptomatic and immunosuppressed people or pregnant.
- People who need a PCR test to travel
- People identified as a priority by Public Health
Everyone else will be advised to use a quick test. Those who test positive for a rapid test will be asked to register through a new online form and follow the isolation guidelines.
Vaccinated individuals who tested positive, as well as vaccinated, asymptomatic close household contacts, should be isolated for five days.
Unvaccinated individuals who tested positive, as well as asymptomatic unvaccinated household contacts, should be isolated for 10 days.
Close contacts outside the home will be asked to continuously mask themselves, avoid vulnerable environments and people, and limit their contacts as much as possible for at least 10 days.
If a close contact develops symptoms, you will be asked to use a rapid test unless you meet the requirements for a PCR test.
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