N.B. COVID roundup: 7 new cases Sunday, as active total declines

New Brunswick is reportingseven cases of COVID-19 Sundayas the province's active case count continues to decline.

The Edmundstonregion (Zone 4) which has been at the centre of the recent outbreak once again has the most new cases. They reported five new cases, including two people in their 20s, a person in their 40s, a person in their 60s and a person in their 80s.

One new case wasconfirmed in the Moncton region (Zone 1), in someone younger than 19. The Fredericton region (Zone 3), also confirmed one case, in someone in their 50s.

There are 203active cases of COVID-19 across the province.

There are 135 in the Edmundston and Grand Falls region (Zone 4), which is in full lockdown. The Moncton region (Zone 1) has 41and is under red-phase restrictions, while the rest of the province is in the orange phase.

The decrease in cases comes despite the arrival of the coronavirus variant first reported in the U.K.

Public Health found three cases of the variant. A fourth probable case, which is being analyzed, was announced on Friday.

The province recorded two COVID-related deaths on Saturdayfor a total of 20.

Edmundston mayor hopeful

Eric Marquis, Edmundston's acting mayor, said he's happy to see cases start to decline in Zone 4.

"We know that we're at the part where we're taking control of the situation," he said.

The entire health region, which covers northwest New Brunswick, has been under a strictlockdown for the last two weeks. Schools and non-essential businesses have been forced to close.

Marquis said Edmundston residentsare following restrictions and staying home.

"Just by taking a walk you can see that on the street there are almost no cars," he said.

Marquis said he is hopefulthe region will return to the red phase withintwo weeks, but he said it is important to improve the situation in long-term care homes before loosening restrictions.

"I think probably in the next weeks or so we're going to see some improvements at the Villa des Jardins and Manoir Belle Vue," he said in an interview.

Special care home outbreak ends

The Manoir Belle Vuecare home has reported 60 cases of the virusand two COVID-related deaths.

The Villa des Jardinsnursing home had32 confirmed cases, as of the last update on Tuesday, including 17 residents and 16 staff.

But on Sunday, Public Health declared the outbreak at a third care home in the region to be officially over.

Le Pavillon Le Royerreported a case of COVID-19 on Jan. 20, prompting health officials to announce an outbreak given the high-risk setting.

No additional cases of the virus were reported in the facility following several rounds of testing of all residents and staff.

Cases at Edmundston grocery store

Public Health officials have identified a potential exposure to COVID-19 at an Edmundston grocery store.

People who visited the Real Atlantic Superstore at 577 Victoria St. during operating hours between Jan. 22 and Feb. 5should self-monitor for symptoms.

A Loblawspokesperson confirmed to CBC News that three employees tested positive for COVID-19.

One of the cases is more than two weeks old and considered resolved.

The other two employees to test positive were last in the store on Jan. 24, and Jan. 26.

The company said it has been working closely with Public Health to increase cleaning and enforce social distancing.

Super Bowl warning

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell warned New Brunswickers against parties or large gatherings on Super Bowl Sunday. She said keeping contacts low will prevent another surge in two weeks.

"I know that many New Brunswickers will be celebrating the Super Bowl today. This year, enjoy the food, enjoy the game but please celebrate virtually or within your bubble," she said in a statement.

No big Super Bowl parties, health officials advise

4 years ago

Duration 4:37

Health officials in the U.S. and Canada are warning against Super Bowl parties this weekend out of fear that the gatherings could turn into superspreader events.

New Brunswick has confirmed 1,344cases since the start of the pandemic, including 1,120 recoveries. Seven people are in the hospital, including two in intensive care.

Public Health has conducted 210,128total tests, including 1,194since Saturday's update.

What to do if you have asymptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms cantake a self-assessment test online.

Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included:

• A fever above 38 C.

• A new cough or worsening chronic cough.

• Sore throat.

• Runny nose.

• Headache.

• New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell.

• 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 Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.

• Describe symptoms and travel history.

• Follow instructions.