N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 76 new cases and another death reported as new measures take effect

New Brunswick reported 76 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, pushing the active case count to 557, and another death, the province's 49th since the start of the pandemic.

A person in their 80s in the Fredericton region, Zone 3, has died "as a result of COVID-19," Public Health said in a news release.

No other details about the individual, including whether they lived in a long-term care home where there's an outbreak, or their vaccination status, has been provided.

Premier Blaine Higgs and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell both offered their condolences.

The number of COVID hospitalizations has increased to 26. Fifteen people remain in intensive care. No one under the age of 19 is currently hospitalized, according to the release.

Members of the provincial rapid outbreak management team, also known as PROMT, are activated at 15 facilities across the province, including nursing homes.

In addition, new positive cases have been confirmed in schools and child-care facilities in three health zones.