Known active COVID-19 case count surpasses 7,500 in NB, hospitalizations rise to 69 – New Brunswick | The Canadian News

New Brunswick reported 840 new PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday as the active case count reaches 7,558.

An additional person, age 90 or older in the Moncton region, died of the virus.

There are currently 69 people hospitalized with the virus, six more in the last 24 hours, including 17 people in intensive care. Of those patients, 50 are over 60 years old, while two patients are 19 years old or younger.

There are 14 COVID-19 patients on a ventilator in the province.

“The rate of people hospitalized and in the ICU continues to greatly affect people who are not vaccinated,” the statement read.

Public health also reported 548 recoveries.

The province says 83.1 percent of eligible New Brunswick residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 90.6 percent received their first dose, while 23.6 percent received a booster dose.

More booster quotes to open

The province announced Friday morning that booster doses will be available to New Brunswick residents age 18 and older.

Eligible individuals will be able to schedule an appointment beginning Monday, as long as five months have passed since their second dose. Pregnant people are now eligible for booster shots as well.

“This is an important step forward in protecting New Brunswick residents from the impacts of Omicron,” Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said at a news conference Friday.

Shephard said the health care system will be put to the test “like never before” in the coming weeks, so it’s important that New Brunswick residents get a boost to protect the already weakened health care system.

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The province said those eligible will be offered Moderna at booster clinics, regardless of the vaccine they received for previous doses.

However, according to the release, Pfizer’s limited supply of booster doses is reserved for people ages 12 to 29.

“There is evidence that the risk of myocarditis / pericarditis for this age group decreases with the Pfizer vaccine compared to Moderna,” the statement read.

“Don’t wait for a preferred brand because it won’t be available to you for several months,” said Medical Director of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell. “What matters right now is that everyone gets a boost as soon as possible.”

Quick test record

New Brunswick residents with symptoms of COVID-19 must now register online to receive a PCR or rapid test.

Those who are between the ages of two and 49 and who are healthy, aside from COVID-19 symptoms, will be advised to have a rapid test.

PCR tests are reserved for people at increased risk of being hospitalized due to COVID-19, according to the province.

Since launch, these include:

• Healthcare workers and those who live or work in community settings

• Symptomatic people and people over 50 years old.

• Symptomatic and immunocompromised people.

• Symptomatic and pregnant people.

• People identified as a priority by Public Health

“People who need a PCR test to travel, residents of First Nations communities and children under the age of two are also eligible to receive a PCR test,” the statement read.

– With files from Alex Cooke.