New Brunswick Reports 4 More COVID-19 Deaths, Over 100 People in Hospital – New Brunswick | The Canadian News

New Brunswick reported four more COVID-19-related deaths as the province prepares to enter a 16-day lockdown Friday night.

The deaths include two people in their 70s and two in their 80s.

There are a total of 103 hospitalizations, including 11 New Brunswick residents in intensive care and three on a ventilator.

The province says 52 of those hospitalized were admitted for reasons other than COVID-19. It also says that 64 percent of those in the ICU are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or more than six months have passed since their second dose.

There are two people aged 19 or younger who are in the hospital with the virus.

The province reported 426 new cases confirmed by PCR of the virus and 756 positives in rapid tests reported to public health.

“Rapid test counts are self-reported and may not be accurate,” according to the provincial board.

new restrictions

Level 3 of the COVID-19 winter plan goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday night and will remain until January 30 at 11:59 p.m.

On Thursday, health officials said reducing the number of hospitalizations is critical for the province.

“It’s going to be a tough two weeks, but we have to get this done,” Prime Minister Blaine Higgs said at the briefing, adding that after reviewing a vast amount of public health data, there was no choice but to move to level 3 of the alert. system.

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Chief Medical Officer for Health Dr. Jennifer Russell pleaded with New Brunswickers not to look for loopholes when new restrictions take effect.

“It is no exaggeration to say that this is a matter of life and death,” he said Thursday.

Level 3 restrictions include the following:

• single family bubble
• No indoor public gatherings
• Closure of gyms, spas and entertainment centers.
• Restaurants may operate for takeout and delivery only
• Encouraged the use of contactless curbside pickup and/or designating a person in the household to shop if feasible to reduce contacts
• Religious places can only hold services outdoors, virtual or in the car
• Organized sports not allowed
• Organized sports and all other organized activities are not allowed with people outside of a single household bubble.
• Outdoor exercise or activities such as skiing, skating, or snowmobiling are allowed, as long as public health measures are followed and you are within your single-family home bubble.
• Hostels and other facilities that support outdoor sport must not exceed 50 percent capacity and must not allow food or drink to be consumed indoors.

The province also says home learning will be extended for another week. Students will return to classrooms on January 31.

Health officials continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, including the second and booster doses. Starting Monday, all New Brunswick residents over the age of 18 became eligible for a third dose.