N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 5 more deaths, 7,000 public sector employees unvaccinated

Five more New Brunswickers have lost their lives to COVID-19, Health Minister Dorothy Shephard announced Friday.

Four people in the Moncton region, Zone 1 – including two people 60-69, a person 70-79 and a person 80-89 – and a person 70-79 in the Campbellton region, Zone 5, have died.

This pushes the province's death toll to 106. Shephard said she is "saddened" by the news, calling each loss of life "incredibly difficult."

But she noted the "positive trend" of the 40 new cases of COVID-19 being outnumbered by the 67 recoveries — one she said she hopes will continue.

Shephard also announced that about 7,000 of the government's 59,500 employees have still not shown proof they've received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Although vaccination rates among public sector employees have increased by six per cent since mandatory vaccination was announced on Oct. 5 Shephard said she is troubled.

"We simply cannot afford to have unvaccinated people working in New Brunswick's public service. The potential risk to co-workers, patients, students and members of the public is too high," she said.

As of Saturday, those who have not received at least one dose won't have enough time to meet the Nov. 19 deadline to be fully vaccinated because of the required 28 days between doses.

"This means they will spend at least some time home from work without pay," Shephard said.

This will definitely have an impact on the public service, she said, noting the unvaccinated individuals are in all sectors, including payroll entry, front-line hospital workers and education staff.

"But we have to have a steady line of understanding that this is very necessary for the protection of everyone." said Shephard.

A total of 83.3 per cent of New Brunswickers age 12 and older are now fully vaccinated, up from 83.1 on Thursday, and 92 per cent have received their first dose, up from 91.9.

Shephard urged all public service employees who have not yet received a dose to book an appointment immediately to reduce the length of time they'll be on unpaid leave.

"I'm optimistic that after weighing the consequences, more people will choose to do the right thing."

Red alert extended for at least 1 week

She made the comments during a news conference held to provide an update on the state of the health-care system.

Fifty people are hospitalized because of the virus, down from 55 on Thursday, including 15 in intensive care, a decrease of one.

Eleven people are on ventilators, including seven in Horizon Health Network hospitals and four in Vitalité Health Network hospitals.

The province has an "ample" supply of ventilators, said Shephard.

Dr. John Dornan, interim president and CEO of Horizon and Dr. France Desrosiers, president and CEO of Vitalité, announced the red alert level protocols for COVID-19 will be extended for at least another week.

The red alert level protocols allow the regional health authorities to redeploy staff and reduce non-essential services to maintain emergency services and ICUs, caring for COVID-19 patients and those who are critically ill.

Fourth wave struck with unexpected 'intensity'

Desrosiers said the fourth wave of the pandemic has struck "with an intensity that we have never forecasted."

An outbreak at the Campbellton Regional Hospital has resulted in 17 positive cases among patients, four of whom died,  and 37 infections among staff.

Desrosiers said it clearly shows how one infection in a hospital can paralyze a facility. Speaking in French, she added that no new cases have been detected since Oct. 20.

The outbreak was previously reported as being at the Restigouche Hospital Centre in Campbellton, the province's only dedicated mental health hospital. On Friday, Desrosiers told CBC the same medical team provides services at both hospitals.

Across the network, 59 employees are off work, including 19 who tested have positive.

About 2,000 digital imaging appointments and 515 elective surgeries have had to be postponed since Vitalité moved to the red alert phase Oct. 12, said Desrosiers.

Last Wednesday alone, there were 55 New Brunswickers who "unfortunately will have to wait a little longer to get their surgery, surgery that they need in order to improve their health and their quality of life," she said.

"It is difficult for them and we are very aware of that."

On average, all Vitalité hospitals are operating above 100 per cent capacity.

Vitalité has about 900 unvaccinated staff.

The decision to move back to the orange or yellow level will be based on being able to manage the risk of community transmission and the capacity of human resources, Desrosiers said.

'Proverbial Trojan horse'

Dornan described the delta variant as a "proverbial Trojan horse."

"It enters our hospital in disguise, on the back of your hand, on your body when you are completely asymptomatic, and then you become positive and you spread it to a friend, or an inpatient, and they spread it to somebody else, and then they spread it to staff."

The hospitals need to break its access, he said, referring to visitor restrictions and limited support worker access.

The number of cases connected to the outbreaks in the Moncton Hospital's cancer and general surgery units remains at 14 patients and 11 staff, Dornan said. The outbreaks have resulted in reduced access to chemotherapy treatments and surgeries for some patients, he said.

Asked for an update on a third outbreak on the hospital's geriatric unit — Units 5100 and 5200 —  Dornan incorrectly told CBC an outbreak had not been declared.

An outbreak was declared on Sept. 27. No new cases have been confirmed since Oct. 1, said Horizon spokesperson Kris McDavid. The outbreak will be declared over after two viral cycles, each of 14 days, with no new cases, he said.

On Thursday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell revealed most of the then-23 fully vaccinated people hospitalized with COVID-19 contracted the virus after they were hospitalized for other reasons at the Moncton Hospital and Campbellton Regional Hospital.

Asked what is being done to improve protocols to ensure such infections don't continue, Dornan acknowledged when people go to the hospital, they "have some assurances that they're safe, that they're not going to get sicker."

"The infections in our hospitals were borne by visitors, by that Trojan horse," he said, so limiting people from entering the hospital is key. Desrosiers, however, said it's difficult to trace the index case in a hospital outbreak.

They both said they've increased screening. Horizon also polls people twice a day about whether they're experiencing COVID-related symptoms, said Dornan.

In addition, it practises "very good droplet precaution, handwashing, masking religiously in all our units, and those manoeuvres already have reduced any further spread," he said.

Dornan said it was a small number of COVID patients who acquired the virus in hospital. The Moncton Hospital outbreak started with a patient who didn't know they had COVID. The patient screened negatively and only developed symptoms later, he said.

Across Horizon, a total of 113 "non-urgent" surgeries have been delayed or cancelled so far, he said, refusing to refer to them as "elective" surgeries, noting there is "no such thing."

"You don't wake up and say, 'I think I elect to have surgery today.' Elective surgery just means that it does not need to be done within the next 24 or 48 hours.

"And to be clear, while the term 'elective' is used, every single surgery is assessed, covered by our health-care system and is necessary."

Seventy-one of them have been in the Fredericton and Upper River Valley area, 42 in the Moncton area, and some in the Saint John area as well, even though it's not a circuit breaker region, because the OR staff are needed in other units, he said.

There's no playbook for how we respond to COVID.- John Dornan, Horizon interim president and CEO

In some cases, surgeries are postponed at the patients' wishes because they're nervous to go to the hospital during the red phase, Dornan said. Horizon has been at the red phase since Oct. 13.

"We are always very concerned that … post red phases, people's diseases progressed to the point that when they come back, it's a more serious problem."

Most of Horizon's hospitals are operating at over 90 per cent capacity. The ideal occupancy rate is about 85 per cent, he said.

About 1,200 Horizon employees remain unvaccinated.

"Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions with respect to all aspects of our hospital care. And this is a very sensitive process," Dornan said.

"We also have to weigh the risks and benefits of doing nothing. And generally speaking, that's just untenable. There's no playbook for how we respond to COVID."

Booster dose appointments for health-care workers now available

Health-care personnel, including those working in long-term care facilities, can now book an appointment to receive an mRNA COVID-19 booster dose if six months have passed since their second dose of a vaccine, Public Health announced Friday.

Appointments can be scheduled for a regional health authority community COVID-19 vaccination clinic through the online booking system or at a participating pharmacy.

Details on booster doses for other groups will be available in the "coming weeks," according to a news release.

Health-care workers are reminded to bring their immunization record with them to their appointment.

Update on school sports and extracurricular activities

School teams and extracurricular groups are now permitted to travel within New Brunswick, including in and out of circuit breaker communities, Health Minister Dorothy Shephard announced Friday.

Students under the age of 12 in circuit breaker communities will also be able to resume school sports and extracurricular activities, following the Healthy and Safe School guidelines, she said. All these activities continue to be subject to guidance provided in the mandatory order.

Spectators are allowed to attend school-related events that are held outside of school facilities, provided they show proof they are fully vaccinated and follow masking and physical distancing requirements, Shephard said.

Starting Oct. 29, spectators will also be permitted to attend sports and extracurricular activities inside school buildings, provided they follow masking, physical distancing and "any other operational requirements set out by schools or districts," she said.

"All events will require the co-operation and support of families and community volunteers," Shephard noted. "If schools are not able to find enough community volunteers to manage events, individual schools and school districts may choose not to allow spectators."

Breakdown of cases

The 40 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed Friday put the province's total active case count at 731.

Of the new cases, 29 – or 73 per cent – are unvaccinated, two – or five per cent – are partially vaccinated, and nine – or 22 per cent – are fully vaccinated.

Of the 50 people hospitalized due to the virus, 25 are unvaccinated, three are partially vaccinated and 22 are fully vaccinated.

Of the 15 people in intensive care, 14 are unvaccinated and one is partially vaccinated.

Here is a breakdown of the new cases:

Moncton region, Zone 1, 25 cases:

• 10 people 19 or under
• Two people 20-29
• Four people 30-39
• Four people 50-59
• Three people 60-69
• A person 70-79
• A person 80-89

Twenty-four cases are under investigation and the other is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

Saint John region, Zone 2, three cases:

• A person 20-29
• A person 40-49
• A person 60-69

All three cases are under investigation.

Fredericton region, Zone 3, five cases:

• Three people 19 or under
• A person 20-29
• A person 30-39

All five cases are under investigation.

Edmundston region, Zone 4, five cases:

• A person 19 or under
• A person 30-39
• A person 50-59
• Two people 60-69

All five cases are under investigation.

Campbellton region, Zone 5, two cases:

• Two people 19 or under

One case is under investigation and the other is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

New Brunswick has had 6,072 confirmed cases of COVID since the start of the pandemic, with 5,234 recoveries so far.

A total of 514,676 lab tests have been conducted to date, including 1,793 on Thursday.

On Thursday, 9,471 rapid-test kits were distributed across the province, Public Health said.

Sackville nursing home outbreak to be declared over

A COVID-19 outbreak at Drew Nursing Home in Sackville is expected to be declared over Friday at midnight, according to an update the home sent to families Thursday night.

The latest round of tests Tuesday found no new positive cases, the update states.

The home is currently updating its visitation policy.

"After this stressful experience with COVID 19, we will be taking a cautious approach to opening our doors."

Families will be contacted once the visitation rules are finalized, the update advises, thanking them for their patience and understanding throughout the "incredibly difficult situation."

The outbreak began Sept. 14, when it was announced the home was closed to visitors after a staff member tested positive.

A total of 40 people have tested positive throughout the outbreak — 30 residents and 10 staff.

Eight residents have died.

 A Parade of Heroes was scheduled to be held in the Drew parking lot Friday at 10 a.m. to thank the staff for their hard work during the outbreak.

Saint John independent living apartment gets 'all clear'

Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John says visiting can resume in its three independent living apartment buildings after an outbreak of COVID-19 was declared in at least one of them a couple of weeks ago.

"We have been given the 'all clear' by Public Health," the Villa announced on Facebook Thursday.

"Thank you for your patience while we worked to keep our tenants safe and healthy."

Building 3 (The Crossing) on 165 Loch Lomond Rd. was closed to visitors Oct. 8 due to a confirmed outbreak.

Building 2 (The Cornerstone) on 219 Ellerdale St. and Building 1 (The Milestone) on 221 Ellerdale St. were closed to all visitors the same day as a precaution, the Villa had said.

Visitors are reminded that all COVID protocols remain in place, including wearing a mask, physical distancing and frequent handwashing.

New cases at 3 schools, 1 daycare

Five new positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified at three schools, according to the COVID-19 dashboard.

The schools where a case or cases have been confirmed include: École Anna-Malenfant and Birchmount School in the Moncton region, Zone 1, and École Grande-Rivière, in the Edmundston region, Zone 4.

Forty-five schools are currently impacted

A total of 375 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at 105 schools since the beginning of the school year.

A new case has also been confirmed at Garderie Power Play in Dieppe in the Moncton region, Zone 1.

People who have been in close contact with a confirmed case will be notified directly by Public Health or the facility for contact tracing, Public Health said in a news release.

Since Sept. 7, 57 early learning and child-care facilities have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Atlantic COVID roundup

Nova Scotia reported 23 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the active caseload to 160. Fifteen people are hospitalized because of the virus, including four who are in intensive care.

Newfoundland and Labrador reported 30 new cases over Thursday and Friday. There are now 62 active cases, and four people are in hospital.

Prince Edward Island reported three new cases on Tuesday. The province has seven active cases.

New public exposure notices

The following are the new public exposures released by Public Health on Friday.

Moncton region, Zone 1

• Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Ambulatory Care – Clinic C, Moncton Hospital (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Oct. 20 from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Ambulatory Care – Clinic C, Moncton Hospital (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Ambulatory Care – Clinic C, Moncton Hospital (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Ambulatory Care – Clinic C, Moncton Hospital (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Oct. 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Rocco's Cucina (2814 Main St., Hillsborough)

Edmundston region, Zone 4

• Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. – Pizza Delight (180 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 14 and 15 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. – Dejeuner AM Breakfast (1791 Main St., Madawaska Maliseet First Nation)

Previous exposure notices

The following are exposure notices from the past few weeks. For the full list beyond this time period, please visit the Government of New Brunswick's website, which was redesigned and now clearly separates new exposure notices from previously reported exposure notices.

Public Health has identified a case of COVID-19 in a traveller who may have been infectious while on the following flight:

• Oct. 14 – Air Canada Flight  8786 – from Montreal to Saint John departed at 8:28 a.m.

• Oct. 8 – Air Canada Flight 8790 – from Montreal to Saint John departed at 7:47 p.m.

Moncton region, Zone 1

• Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon – Caisse Populaire Sud-Est (1363 Route 133, Grand-Barachois)
• Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon – Club Extenso Rhythmic Gymnastics (299 Champlain St., Dieppe)
• Oct. 18 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Dieppe Aquatic and Sports Centre (111 Aquatique St., Dieppe)
• Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Slapshots Family Sports Restaurant & Grill (55 Russ Howard Dr., Moncton)
• Oct. 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Moncton Hospital Emergency Room waiting room (135 Macbeath Ave., Moncton)
• Oct. 15 from noon to 12:30 p.m. – Boutique Recycl'Art and Antiques (149 John St., Moncton)
• Oct. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Bistro Le Chat Bleu (342 Route 940, Baie-Verte)
• Between Oct. 10 and 14 – Headquarters Campground, Fundy National Park (11 Headquarters Campground Rd., Fundy National Park)
• Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Tim Hortons (1840 Main St., Moncton)
• Oct. 13 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Wise Guyz Pub (176 Robinson St., Moncton)
• Oct. 13 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore (89 Trinity Dr., Moncton)
• Oct. 13 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. – Georges Dumont Hospital, Diagnostic Imaging Department (330 Université Ave., Moncton)
• Oct. 13 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Spirit Halloween (169 Trinity Dr., Moncton)
• Oct. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Gusto Italian Grill & Bar (130 Westmorland St., Moncton)
• Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Tim Hortons (10 Plaza Blvd., Moncton)
• Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Tim Hortons (10 Plaza Blvd., Moncton)
• Oct. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pregnancy & Wellness Centre of Moncton (27 John St., Moncton)
• Oct. 7 between 9 a.m. and noon – Service New Brunswick, waiting room (766 Main St., Moncton)
• Oct. 7 between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Pseudio (477 Paul St., Dieppe)
• Between Oct. 6 and 7 between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. – Wingate by Wyndham (69 Marché Rd., Dieppe)
• Oct. 6 between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. – The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse (751 Main St., Moncton)
• Oct. 6 between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Pseudio (477 Paul St., Dieppe)
• Oct. 5 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.- Five Bridges Bar & Grill (121 Pine Glen Rd., Riverview)
• Oct. 4 between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Dr. Léon Richard Oncology Centre (37 Providence St. Moncton)
• Oct. 4-6 between 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Club Boishebert de Shediac (322 Main St., Shediac)
• Oct. 3 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – YMCA (70 Twin Oaks Dr., Moncton)
• Oct. 3 between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. – Cornerstone Chapel Moncton (11 York St., Berry Mills)
• Oct. 3 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. – Hillsborough United Church (2891 Main St., Hillsborough)
• Between Oct. 2 and 3 between noon and 10 a.m. – Beauséjour Camping (747 Lino Rd., Shediac)

Saint John region, Zone 2

• Oct. 17 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – True Life Church (30 Vincent Rd., Quispamsis)
• Oct. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Boyd Bros. Home Hardware (9 Route 172, Saint George)
• Oct. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (175 Old Hampton Rd., Quispamsis)
• Oct. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Sobeys (140 Hampton Rd., Rothesay)
• Oct. 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – GoodLife Fitness (212 McAllister Dr., Saint John)
• Oct. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Brenan's Paradise Row
• ​Funeral Home (111 Paradise Row, Saint John)
• Oct. 12 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – GoodLife Fitness (175 Hampton Rd., Quispamsis)
• Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – St. Louis Bar & Grill (175 Hampton Rd., Quispamsis)
• Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub (112 Prince William St., Saint John)
• Oct. 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Thandi (33 Canterbury St., Saint John)
• Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Kingston Farmer's Market (4 Market Ln., Kingston)
• Oct. 9 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – The Barrel's Head Gastropub (141 Hampton Rd., Rothesay)
• Oct. 9 between 3:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. – Drew & Jen's No Frills (621 Fairville Blvd., Saint John)
• Oct. 8 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Pizza Delight (2 King St., St. Stephen)
• Oct. 8 between 5:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. – East Side Mario's (75 Consumers Dr., Saint John)
• Oct. 8 between noon and 2:30 p.m. – Canadian Tire (250 King St., St. Stephen)
• Oct. 8 between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore (195 King St., St. Stephen)
• Oct. 8 between 6:45 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. – Station 33 Café & Yoga restaurant section (33 Railway Cres., Hampton)
• Oct. 1 and 8 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. – Hampton Chop Shop (557 Main St., Hampton)
• Oct. 2 to Oct. 7 between 6:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Station 33 Café & Yoga restaurant section (33 Railway Cres., Hampton)
• Oct. 5, 6, and 7 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – McAllister Place (519 Westmorland Rd., Saint John)
• Between Oct. 4 and 7 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. – Hampton Chop Shop (557 Main St., Hampton)
• Oct. 7, between 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. – Hampton Community Centre rink (808 Main St., Hampton)
• Oct. 7 between noon and 2 p.m. – Vogue Optical (20 Plaza Ave., Saint John)
• Oct. 6 between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Vogue Optical (20 Plaza Ave., Saint John)
• Oct. 6, between noon and 3 p.m. – Dr. Luan Le's Office (35 University Ave., Saint John)
• Oct. 6, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – Char and Chowder Restaurant (182 Water St., Saint Andrews)
• Oct. 6 between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Herring Cove Pharmacy (924 Route 774, Welshpool)
• Oct. 5 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 8th Hussars Sports Centre (8 Leonard Dr., Sussex)
• Oct. 5, between 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – Up to Par Restaurant (109 Upper Midland Rd., Norton)
• Oct. 5 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Canterbury Dental Clinic (18 Canterbury St., Saint John)
• Oct. 5 between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. – Campobello Island Health Centre (640 Route 774, Welshpool)
• Oct. 4 and 5 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. – Needs Convenience Store (89 Marr Rd., Rothesay)
• Oct. 4, between 5:45 p.m. and 16:15 p.m. – Mac's Island Market (924 Route 774, Welshpool)
• Oct. 3 between 4 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. – Vito's Restaurant (111 Hampton Rd., Rothesay)
• Oct. 3 between 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. – Char and Chowder Restaurant (182 Water St., Saint Andrews)
• Oct. 3 – Kings Church (332 Hampton Rd., Quispamsis)

Fredericton region, Zone 3

• Oct. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. – 540 Kitchen & Bar (540 Queen St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 16 from 2:50 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. – Regent Mall (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Lincoln Big Stop Restaurant (415 Nevers Rd., Waasis)
• Oct. 14 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Canadian Tire (388 Connell St., Woodstock)
• Between Oct. 13 and 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 a.m. – Fredericton Inn (1315 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 13 from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Cazza Petite (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Regent Mall (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – HomeSense (18 Trinity Ave., Fredericton)
• Oct. 13 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Canadian Tire (388 Connell St., Woodstock)
• Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon – Home Hardware (115 Drummond St., Perth)
• Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon – BMR Besthome Hardware & Building Supplies (319 Centreville Rd., Florenceville-Bristol)
• Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon – Davesports (398 Connell St., Woodstock)
• Oct. 12 between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  – Canadian Tire (388 Connell St., Woodstock)
• Oct. 10 between noon and 5 p.m. – Pseudio (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 10 between 9 a.m. and noon – HopeCity (429 Clements Dr., Fredericton)
• Oct. 9 between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Pseudio (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 8 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Pseudio (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 8 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Starbucks (1040 Prospect St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 8 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Taco Boys (10 Trinity Ave., Fredericton)
• Oct. 8 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Vape City (10 Trinity Ave., Fredericton)
• Sept. 14 to Oct. 7 – Tobique Valley Senior's Complex (4 Manor Dr., Plaster Rock)
• Oct. 7 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. – East Side Mario's (14 Trinity Ave., Fredericton)
• Oct. 7 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Dollarama (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 7 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Walmart (1399 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 7 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Hanwell Village Mart (1761 Hanwell Rd., Hanwell)
• Oct. 6 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. – PJ's Wings and Things (38 Main St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 6 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. – York County Cider (38 Main St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 6 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Capital Community Church (71 Downing St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 6 between noon and 2 p.m. – Ken's Barber Shop (240 Main St., Plaster Rock)Oct. 4 between 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Scotiabank (728 Perth Main St., Perth-Andover)
• Oct. 5 between noon and 8 p.m. – Pseudio (1381 Regent St., Fredericton)
• Oct. 5 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Abony Family Tennis Centre (594 Knowledge Park Dr., Fredericton)
• Oct. 4 between 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Scotiabank (728 Perth Main St., Perth-Andover)
• Oct. 4 between 9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. – Subway (18 F. Tribe Rd. Unit 3, Perth-Andover)
• Oct. 3 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Pond's Resort on the Miramichi restaurant (91 Porter Cove Rd., Porter Cove)
• Oct. 3 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Speedway 104 Mower races (7399 Route 104, Windsor)
• Oct. 3 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Speedway 104 Mower races (7399 Route 104, Windsor)
• Oct. 3 between 10:30 a.m. and noon – Sure Life Assembly (335 Otis Drive, Nackawic)
• Oct. 3 between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – G8Way Ultramar (22 Route 628, Penniac)
• Oct. 3 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Kingswood Golf Club (1700 Kingswood Way, Hanwell)
• Oct. 2-3 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. – Quality Inn and Suites Amsterdam (559 Bishop Dr., Fredericton)

Edmundston region, Zone 4

• Oct. 19 from 11 a.m to 12:40 p.m. – Edmundston Regional Hospital, emergency room waiting room (275 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 16 from 8:45 a.m to 10 a.m.  – Edmundston Regional Hospital Emergency Room waiting room (275 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – IGA extra Supermarché Donat Thériault (580 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Grand Falls Big Stop (121 Route 255, Grand Falls)
• Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to noon – IGA extra Supermarché Donat Thériault (580 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Familiprix (131 de l'Église Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Familiprix (131 de l'Église Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 13, 14, and 15 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Roger C. Ouellette (9 Godreau St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Saint André Recreation Centre (455 Route 255, Saint André)
• Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Atlantic Superstore (577 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Dollarama (15 Mowin St., Madawaska Maliseet First Nation)
• Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Dollarama (787 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 14 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 14 from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Foodland (535 Everard H. Daigle Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Loune's Lounge (475 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 13 from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Dollarama (787 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – IGA extra Supermarché Donat Thériault (580 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Canadian Tire (590 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 13 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. – Grand Falls General Hospital, Outpatient Waiting Room (625 Everard H. Daigle Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 13 from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. – Dejeuner AM Breakfast (1791 Main St., Madawaska Maliseet First Nation)
• Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – BMO (291 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon – Toner Home Hardware (445 Broadway Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 12 from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. – Dejeuner AM Breakfast (1791 Main St., Madawaska Maliseet First Nation)
• Oct. 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (160 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 12 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Clinic Physio Logic (182 High St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 12 between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – Edmundston Regional Hospital emergency department (275 Hébert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 12 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 12 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 12 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Casse Croute Caro (180 Hebert Blvd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 12 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Foodland (535 Everard H. Daigle Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Dollarama (180 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 11 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. – IGA extra Supermarché Donat Thériault (580 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 10 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 10 from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Church (30 37e Ave., Edmundston)
• Oct. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Church of St. Anne (99 Main St., Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska)
• Oct. 9 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Bonichoix (4 Saint Camille Rd., Kedgwick)
• Oct. 9 between 11 p.m. and midnight – Bar Chez Wilma (500 Mgr Numa Pichette Blvd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 9 between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. – Café Retro Bar (69 Canada Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 9 between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. – Casino Grey Rock (100 Chief Joanna Blvd., Saint Basile)
• Oct. 9 between noon and 2 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (344 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Oct. 9 between noon and 2 p.m. – Saint Quentin Co-Op (145 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Oct. 9 from 6 a.m. to 7: 45 a.m. – Ultramar (555 Madawaska St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 8 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Ultramar (555 Madawaska St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 8 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 8 between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (344 Canada Rd., Saint Quentin)
• Oct. 8 between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Familiprix – Kevin Smyth (138 Main St., Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska)
• Oct. 7 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Ultramar (555 Madawaska St., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 3 to Oct. 7 – Rodeway Inn (10039 Route 144, Grand Falls)
• Oct. 7 between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 7 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Supermarché Bonichoix (746 Main St., Saint Leonard)
• Oct. 7 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Familiprix – Kevin Smyth (138 Main St., Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska)
• Oct. 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 7 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Sports Experts (180 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Provincial Court, Carrefour Assomption (121 de l'Église Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 7 between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – Provincial Court – Carrefour Assomption (121 de l'Église Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 6-7 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. – Subway (360 Canada St., Saint Quentin)
• Oct. 5 and 7 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. – Cyr Roy Machine Shop and Dépanneur (111 Martin Rd., Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska)
• Oct. 6 between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Walmart (805 Victoria St., Edmundston)
• Oct. 6 between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Dollarama (15 Mowin St., Madawaska Maliseet First Nation)
• Oct. 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Foodland (535 Everard H. Daigle Blvd., Grand Falls)
• Oct. 6 between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – Catholic Diocesan Centre (60 René-Bouchard Rd., Edmundston)
• Oct. 5 between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Greco Pizza (10 Mahsus Crt., Edmundston)
• Oct. 4 between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Dollarama (180 Madawaska Rd., Grand Falls) 
• Oct. 4 between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Road, Grand Falls)
• Oct. 4 between 8:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Road, Grand Falls)
• Oct. 4 between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Atlantic Superstore (240 Madawaska Road, Grand Falls)
• Oct. 4 between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Walmart (494 Madawaska Road, Grand Falls)
• Oct. 4 between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Shoppers Drug Mart (180 Madawaska Road, Unit #700, Grand Falls)
• Oct. 3 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Subway (360 Canada St., Saint Quentin)
• Oct. 3 between 9:15 a.m. and 10 p.m. – St. George Church (226 St. Georges Rd., Grand Falls)

Campbellton region, Zone 5

• Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Dooly's (81 Roseberry St., Campbellton)
• Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon – Le Grenier (312 Val d'Amour Rd., Atholville)
• Oct. 16 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. – Dooly's (81 Roseberry St., Campbellton)
• Oct. 15 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Le Grenier (312 Val d'Amour Rd., Atholville)
• Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Naturiste (312 Val d'Amour Rd., Atholville)
• Oct. 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Dooly's (81 Roseberry St., Campbellton)
• Oct. 13 from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Kent Building Supplies (15 Savoie Ave., Atholville)
• Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Canadian Tire (384 Val d'Amour Rd., Atholville)
• Oct. 12 and 13 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. – J.A. Epicerie 2000 Inc. (339 Main St., Eel River Crossing)
• Oct. 12 and 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Boutique Daze (312 Val-D'Amour Rd., Atholville)
• Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Kent Building Supplies (15 Savoie Ave., Atholville)
• Oct. 6-8 – Clinique Vétérinaire Lépine (148 Notre Dame St., Atholville)
• Oct. 7 between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Campbellton Regional Hospital, emergency department (189 Lily Lake Rd., Campbellton)
• Oct. 6 between 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. – Brasserie 1026 Bar & Grill (157 Water St., Campbellton)
• Between Oct. 5 and 6 between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. – Campbellton Regional Hospital, emergency department (189 Lily Lake Rd., Campbellton)
• Oct. 5-7 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. – CCNB – Campbellton Campus (47 Village Ave., Campbellton)
• Oct. 4 between 11:40 a.m. and 12:55 p.m. – Bonnie's Tabata Fitness (1 Union St., Campbellton)
• Between Oct. 1-6 – Campbellton Regional Hospital Med-Surg unit (189 Lily Lake Rd., Campbellton)

Bathurst region, Zone 6

• Oct. 8 between 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – Walmart (900 St. Anne St., Bathurst)
• Oct. 8 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – House of Lee (315 Main St., Bathurst)
• Oct. 8 between 9:50 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – Marshalls (700 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Oct. 8 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Sobeys (1125 St. Peter Ave., Bathurst)
• Oct. 5 between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Dixie Lee Restaurant (49 St-Pierre Blvd. W., Caraquet)
• Oct. 4 between noon and 1 p.m. – L'Entracte Resto Pub (3394 Principale St., Tracadie)
• Oct. 3 between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Walmart (900 St. Anne St., Bathurst)

Miramichi region, Zone 7

• Oct. 10 between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – Tim Hortons (188 King St., Miramichi)
• Oct. 5 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Downtown Beauty Salon (1706 Water St., Miramichi) 
• Oct. 3 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Harvey's (2470 King George Highway, Miramichi)

Public Health recommends that people who have been at a possible public exposure site and are not fully vaccinated get a COVID test, even if they don't have symptoms. They can book an appointment online or call Tele-Care 811.

If they do have symptoms, they must isolate while they await their results.

For people who are fully vaccinated, Public Health recommends they monitor for symptoms for 14 days after the possible exposure and get a COVID test if symptoms develop.

Anyone who frequented the locations at the specified dates and times should also avoid visiting settings with vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes, correctional facilities and shelters, for the next 14 days.

What to do if you have a symptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 can take a self-assessment test online.

Public Health says symptoms of the illness have included a fever above 38 C, a new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, a new onset of fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.

People with one of those symptoms should stay at home, call 811 or their doctor and follow instructions.