New Brunswick to provide Wednesday update on coronavirus

Premier Blaine Higgs and Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, are set to provide an update Wednesday on the novel coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, the government of New Brunswick confirmed two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 70.

More updates on the number of cases will be shared at the press briefing scheduled to take place at 2:30 p.m. AT.

So far, Russell said Tuesday, 42 of the confirmed cases are travel-related, 19 are due to close contact with a travel-related case and three are related to community transmission. Six are under investigation.

“As we know, we have confirmed community transmission. We need everyone to stay on their guard … and be vigilant,” said Russell.

Higgs also encouraged business owners affected by the state of emergency to use existing supports to keep operating and to think long-term.

“Use any financial assistance you receive to stay afloat, but keep employees working and look to the future,” said Higgs. “Now is the time to be innovative. If your business is not prohibited from operating and meets the health standards being imposed, we need you.”

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More to come.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.

 

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