Advertisement

COVID-19: N.B. announces several Omicron cases, says related to St. FX outbreak in N.S.

Click to play video: 'N.B. announces several Omicron variant cases of COVID-19'
N.B. announces several Omicron variant cases of COVID-19
WATCH: N.B. announces several Omicron variant cases of COVID-19 – Dec 13, 2021

New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health announced Monday 100 new cases of COVID-19 and confirmed a number of Omicron variant cases in the province, all of which she says are related to St. Francis Xavier University outbreak in Antigonish, N.S.

There are two Omicron cases in Zone 7, one in Zone 1 and four other cases in these zones previously reported.

“This is concerning because there are traits of Omicron we don’t know yet. We must take precautions,” Dr. Jennifer Russell said at a briefing on Monday. “This version of COVID-19 is much more transferable than other versions.”

Russell said the Omicron variant is 30 per cent more transmissible than the Delta version, which is the prominent version in New Brunswick.

Story continues below advertisement

“We don’t know if (the Omicron version) will lead to stronger or milder cases,” she said.

As of Monday, there have been two deaths due to the virus and 1,048 active cases.

Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said there are 41 people in hospital; 14 in ICU and five on ventilators.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

She said that the COVID-19 booster vaccine does will add an additional protection to omicron and is encouraging eligible New Brunswickers above the age of 50 to get it.

“I know the holiday season is right around the corner, and everyone is anxious to spend time with their loved ones. But we need to [be safe],” Shephard said.
Click to play video: 'COVID-19: New Brunswick confirms several cases of Omicron variant in province'
COVID-19: New Brunswick confirms several cases of Omicron variant in province

New restrictions to be put in place

Premier Blaine Higgs announced several measures to be put in place due to Omicron variant cases being confirmed in the province.

Story continues below advertisement

He said students in kindergarten to Grade 6 will go on holiday break this Friday instead of next week, adding that all sports and organized activities for children under 12 years old are suspended as of tonight.

Higgs also said that entertainment centres, such as movie theatres and casinos, will be required to operate at 50 per cent capacity. Restaurants, spas, and business will also need to enforce social distancing and proof of vaccination.

“Depending on how things change in our province in the coming days and weeks, we may require further restrictions,” said Higgs. “We cannot let our guard down now. We need to stay very focused and manage ourselves accordingly.”

Click to play video: 'New Brunswick imposes COVID-19 measures ahead of holidays'
New Brunswick imposes COVID-19 measures ahead of holidays

 

Sponsored content

AdChoices