N.B. COVID-19 roundup: No plan to tighten restrictions in Fredericton region, despite spike

The Fredericton region will not be moved to a more restrictive COVID-19 alert level despite a recent spike in cases, at least not yet, says Premier Blaine Higgs.

Of the 111 new cases of COVID-19 reported Wednesday, 61 were in the Fredericton region, Zone 3. It has quickly outpaced the Moncton region, Zone 1, and now leads the province with 288 of the 781 active cases, as of Wednesday.

But Higgs told reporters the situation doesn't meet the criteria for Public Health to assess whether it should be moved to Level 2 under the new COVID-19 Winter Action Plan.

"We did ask the question because of case counts that we're seeing, and they said, "Well … we know where the cases are. We know, it's primarily to a great extent within the school population, and it isn't at this point affecting hospitals," he said.

"I mean, all that, I guess, could change over time. But right now, they've said that they aren't going to trigger a zone assessment right today. But I guess [we'll] see the next few days, and if it continues to rise, that could change."

At least half the cases are coming from schools, he said.

And while there are "a number" of new cases to be announced later today, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has stayed around 40-43.

Whether the hospitals can manage the cases, he said, is key in all decisions.

"The biggest challenge we face right now is getting people the booster shot and ensuring that we don't run the risk of people losing their immunity because they've gone past the due date on boosters."

Higgs told reporters Wednesday the province is reducing the time people 50 or older have to wait to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster to five months.

Until now, people have only been eligible for a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine if six months have passed since their second dose, based on the advice of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

But in a news release, Public Health said people 50 and older who are due for a booster any time in December can book an appointment now, even if a full six months have not passed.

All major retailers in New Brunswick where proof of vaccination is not required plan to enforce physical distancing instead of starting to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, says Public Health.

Under the new COVID-19 Winter Action Plan, physical distancing is required in public spaces where proof of vaccination is not required.