N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Saint John testing centre closed as long as CUPE strike lasts
CBC
At least one COVID-19 testing site will remain closed for the duration of the strike by members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, while some others are operating at reduced capacity.
Saint John's Ropewalk Road COVID-19 assessment centre won't reopen until the strike is over, said Horizon Health Network spokesperson Kris McDavid.
The next closest assessment centre is a 45-minute drive away, at the Gateway Mall in Sussex.
Most of the Saint John region, Zone 2, is under a two-week circuit breaker, because of Public Health concerns over the rising number of infections. It has the highest positivity rate in the province.
The strike, now on Day 5, involves 22,000 workers in 10 CUPE locals, including health care, education, transportation and agricultural sectors, as well as social workers, jail guards, court stenographers and staff at WorkSafeNB and New Brunswick community colleges.
"While Public Health has implemented contingency plans, CUPE did not agree to the designation of essential workers in COVID-19 services (screening, vaccination clinics, assessment centres, labs), putting further strain on the health-care system," the government said in a news release Monday.
COVID-19 assessment and testing activity is expected to be "significantly impacted" this week, it said.
Assessment centres offer appointments for people with symptoms of COVID-19, as well as those who have been directed by Public Health to be tested for COVID-19.
"Testing is essential to help reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in New Brunswick," Horizon's website says.
McDavid could not immediately say how many people the Saint John centre tested daily.
Miramichi's assessment centre, at 365 Wellington St., in Zone 7, is open but operating at reduced capacity, he said.
McDavid could not immediately comment on the status of Horizon's other assessment centres in the Moncton region, Zone 1, or Fredericton region, Zone 3.
The Vitalité Health Network, which manages the COVID-19 assessment centres, in the Edmundston region, Zone 4, Campbellton region, Zone 5, and Bathurst region, Zone 6, said all 12 will remain open throughout the strike.
Public Health reported 31 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, putting the province's active case count at 506.
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