N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 'Immediate need' for testing, vaccination staff

New Brunswick has an "immediate need" for clinical and administrative staff for its COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination clinics in the Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton zones, the Horizon Health Network announced Friday.

The most "urgent need" is for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, medical lab assistants, and bilingual administrative staff, according to a news release.

On Thursday, Horizon's vice-president of community Jean Daigle told CBC News the health authority has seen an increased demand in testing in the wake of the recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in the province.

The province has also seen an "uptick" in vaccination appointments since it announced new proof of vaccination requirements will take effect next week, said Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health.

There were 1,700 appointments scheduled at Horizon and Vitalité health network clinics on Wednesday and 1,929 on Thursday, said Department of Health spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane.

"Prior to Wednesday's announcement, the recent average was 600 bookings per day," he said in an emailed statement.

"We are also seeing a major uptick in walk-ins at these clinics," he said. On Thursday, 600 additional vaccines had to be delivered to a clinic in the Moncton area.