New Brunswick records first COVID-19 case in more than two weeks

New Brunswick Public Health has confirmed one new active case of COVID-19 after just over two weeks of no new cases.

The travel-related case is in the Fredericton region and is anindividual in their 40s. In a news release, the province said this person is self-isolating and not in the hospital.

Bruce Macfarlane, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, said the case is not related to the Atlantic travel bubble, which started last Friday.

But he would not specify where the individual was travelling from.

"As we work through this pandemic, travel-related cases can be expected," Macfarlane said."In this case, the self-isolation requirements were being followed."

Most people outside the Atlantic bubble have to self-isolate for 14 days after they enter New Brunswick.

If Public Health feels there is any risk to the public, Macfarlane said, information will be posted to the government website.

"Thus far in the pandemic our public health measures have worked, and we have been able to avoid widespread community transmission," he said in an emailed statement.

There are no other active cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick, according to a government dashboard of coronavirus-related statistics.

As recently as Wednesday, there was one active case in the Campbellton region, or Zone 5, where a cluster started in late May and led to the only two New Brunswick deaths from COVID-19 since the first case in the province was reported March 11.

There have been 166 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province.

To date, a total of45,522 tests have been performed for COVID-19.

"New Brunswickers are united as we make our way through these challenging times," Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, in a statement Thursday. Russell no longer gives regular briefings on the COVID-19 situation in the province.

"Despite the uncertainty and the hardships that COVID-19 has created, we have hope, and we will emerge stronger and more resilient."

Province sets up pre-travel registration coming into New Brunswick

The province has also set up a pre-travel registration service for travellers entering into New Brunswick to speed up their trip.

The Travel Registration program will help travellers pre-register, verify that they meet the health-screening criteria and see what documents are required to enter the province. Travellers who pre-register will be given a registration document and information about current health guidelines.

"Until today, travellers coming to our province have been providing their information at screening points," said Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart.

"With this new service, we will address those requests clearly and consistently while also limiting delays."

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People can registeronline or by calling toll free 1-833-948-2800 throughout the work week.

The province is recommending travellers register at least five days before their intended date of arrival in New Brunswick. Travellers who arrive at the border without having pre-registered will still be able to apply at the border but may face delays.

Travellers who have obtained permits or authorizations to travel to other provinces, including Prince Edward Island and Quebec's Magdalen Islands will still be required to pre-register to enter New Brunswick.

The province is also reminding New Brunswick travellers they should consult the websites of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador before travelling to these provinces to determine the current regulations and documentation required.

Travellers who live in the Atlantic provinces will be approved if they meet the health screening criteria. Restrictions still apply to travellers from other provinces and territories.

What to do if you have a symptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms cantake a self-assessment teston the government website at gnb.ca.

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, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing. In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.

People with one of those symptoms are asked to:

• Stay at home.

• Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.

• Describe symptoms and travel history.

• Follow instructions.