N.B. reports 87 new COVID cases, more than 6,200 vaccine appointments booked for kids

FREDERICTON — Health officials in New Brunswick reported 87 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and 60 more recoveries from the disease.

Forty-five people were in hospital with COVID-19, including 19 in intensive care, officials said in a news release. They added that more than 6,200 COVID-19 vaccination appointments had been booked for children aged five to 11.

Chief medical officer Dr. Jennifer Russell said vaccinating young people is an important step for reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus. She said about 88 per cent of eligible New Brunswick residents were vaccinated against COVID-19 and that 93.5 per cent have received at least one dose.

Meanwhile, one-quarter of the 16 inpatient units at The Moncton Hospital were dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks on Wednesday, and 20 patients and four staff have tested positive for the disease, officials said.

The Horizon Health Network, which governs the hospital, said in a news release that evidence of COVID-19 transmission had been detected in inpatient units over the last several days.

Horizon said officials were working with the Health Department to notify anyone who may have been exposed to infected staff members or infected patients.

New Brunswick had 692 active reported infections on Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24, 2021.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press