A second presumptive case of coronavirus has been identified in New Brunswick, according to the province’s chief medical officer of health.
READ MORE: New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health supports possible closure of schools
Dr. Jennifer Russell announced the presumptive case at a press briefing in Fredericton Saturday morning.
Russell says the patient is a man between the ages of 50 and 60 and is in the southeastern part of New Brunswick.
“While I know some New Brunswickers may be very concerned about this second case, this is not unexpected,” Russell said.
Russell adds that the man is a close contact of the province’s first confirmed coronavirus case, a woman between the ages of 50 and 60 who recently returned from France.
The first presumptive case in New Brunswick was announced on Wednesday, then confirmed the next day.
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Both patients are currently in self-isolation and all their close contacts have been traced and informed.
“This individual is already isolated and public health officials have already taken swift action to implement immediate precautions to prevent the infection from spreading,” Russell said.
READ MORE: New Brunswick confirms first presumptive coronavirus case, discourages mass gatherings
On Friday, Premier Blaine Higgs said all of the province’s public schools will close for two weeks, but early learning and child-care facilities are not being closed.
Russell said Thursday said if schools were to close, she’d support it.
At Saturday’s press briefing, Russell reminded the public that testing for COVID-19 only happens when a person has symptoms.
“Testing when there are no symptoms will not tell you if you have COVID-19 and cannot be used to clear you when you return to work or school,” she said.
Russell reiterated that those feeling ill should not visit loved ones in hospitals or long-term care facilities, as people in these locations are at the highest risk of complications.
With files from Travis Fortnum.
Concerned about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials say the risk is very low for Canadians, but they caution against travel to affected areas (a list can be found here). If you do travel to these places, they recommend you self-monitor to see whether you develop symptoms and if you do, to contact public health authorities.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing – very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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