N.B. reports five deaths Sunday, 164 people in hospital with COVID-19

N.B. hospital system remains in the Red Level New Brunswick moves to Level 2 of its Winter Action Plan, as a record number of patients remain in hospital. Laura Brown reports.

New Brunswick reported five additional deaths related to COVID-19 on Sunday.

So far this month, over 70 people have died from the virus in the province.

There have been 233 deaths since the start of the pandemic reported in New Brunswick.

HOSPITALIZATIONS

According to the province’s online dashboard, a total of 164 people are hospitalized in the province -- an increase of five since Saturday.

Thirteen people are currently in intensive care and five people are on a ventilator.

N.B. HOSPITALS REMAIN IN RED LEVEL

Although New Brunswick has moved to the less restrictive level two of its COVID-19 winter plan, the hospital system hasn’t changed its current situation.

Hospitals have been in the red level since Dec. 30 and remain that way.

Dr. John Dornan, CEO of Horizon Health, told CTV Atlantic they’re reviewing the situation every day. The red level allows hospitals to postpone non-urgent appointments and procedures and limit visitors – only focusing on emergent cases.

Paula Doucet of the New Brunswick Nurses Union said the move to level two doesn’t change that.

“We still have outbreaks, we still have staff that are out self-isolating, we still have the shortages," she said. “There’s still postponement of appointments, treatments, surgeries – so there is really no major change for those showing up every day in the healthcare facilities across New Brunswick.”

Doucet said there are about 1,000 vacant registered nursing positions, 300 licensed practical nurse positions and 20 nurse practitioner positions available.

“So there’s still a great fear of because we’re moving to phase two, that we will still continue to see increased hospitalizations and also increased visits to hospitals,” she said. “Moving from level three to level two isn’t a free pass for people to go and do what they want. Please continue to heed the warnings of public health.”

Horizon and Vitalite Health Networks are also trying to rebook people whose vaccine appointments were cancelled during Saturday’s storm.

HEALTH OFFICIALS POSITIVE AND ISOLATING

As of Sunday, Jan. 30, there is a total of 435 health care workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently isolating.

Here is a breakdown of the health care workers isolating as of Sunday, Jan. 30:

IN-PERSON LEARNING RESUMES MONDAY

Public schools in New Brunswick will resume full-time, in-person learning on Monday.

The provincial plans for schools, which outlines measures to align with Public Health’s winter plan, will also take effect Monday.

Families are reminded that masks will be required indoors and outdoors, for all age groups, except for kindergarten-to-Grade 8 students who are within their grouping outdoors at Level 2.

Students are reminded to bring their own mask to school; a well-fitted, three-layer masks are recommended by Public Health. A supply of medical-grade masks, rated as KN95 or higher, have been secured for teachers and school staff as an option.

“We all have a role to play in keeping our schools as healthy and safe as possible,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy in a news release on Friday.

“We are asking everyone in schools to co-operate to make sure everyone is wearing their mask properly throughout the day – over the nose and mouth. By following the guidelines, you are helping to keep school staff, students and others in the community healthy.”

Any student experiencing a new or worsening symptom should not attend school and register online for rapid tests.

NEW CASES REPORTED

According to health officials, there were 274 new positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed Sunday in New Brunswick using a PCR test.

In addition, officials are also reporting 375 new cases reported using rapid tests.

Here is a breakdown of the new cases reported Sunday by health zone:

According to the online dashboard, there are a total of 5,460 positive cases of the virus reported in New Brunswick.

VACCINATION UPDATE

As of Jan. 30, 92.1 per cent of New Brunswickers have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 84.4 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine and 43.8 percent have now received a booster dose.

In total, 1,653,498 doses of vaccine have been administered to date in New Brunswick.

A pop-up, walk-in vaccination clinic will be held Monday in Saint John for people seeking their first, second or third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The clinic will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 30 Thorne Ave. People attending this clinic are asked to bring their Medicare card, a record of vaccination if receiving their second dose or booster, and a signed consent form.