New Brunswick reports 3rd COVID-19 death, 5 new cases

New Brunswick has reported its third death from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

The person lived at Manoir Notre-Dame, a special care home in Moncton which is experiencing an outbreak of the virus.

The person was in their 60s and died Sunday as a result of "underlying complications," including COVID-19, according to Public Health.

"This is another sad moment for our province," said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, in a news release. "I am joining all New Brunswickers in sending my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of this individual."

Premier Blaine Higgs said in a statement he was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"I extend my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this person, and to everyone in our province who has been impacted by the recent outbreaks," he said.

Representatives for Manoir Notre-Dame declined to comment when reached by CBC News.

Mental health support

Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard says it's an important time for seniors to reach out and let people know if they're struggling. Dupuis-Blanchard is a professor and research chair in population aging at the Université de Moncton.

She said this time is especially hard for people at Manoir Notre-Dame who would've known the resident, and will be mourning the death.

"Talk to your family. If you are in a nursing home or in a facility, talk to the staff and don't be afraid to say, you know, I'm having a difficult time," said Dupuis-Blanchard.

Dupuis-Blanchard said seniors can reach out to staff for mental health support, family members, and family doctors. 

She said seniors and their families have had to deal with a lot of stress during this pandemic. She said even just having someone to talk to can make a big difference. 

"It could be someone to sit with a person and listen, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold. I think the important part is to let seniors know that there is someone there for them if they so wish to talk about how they're feeling," said Dupuis-Blanchard.

Possible exposure

Public Health also identified a positive case who may have been infectious while on a flight.

Passengers who travelled Oct. 8 on Air Canada flight 8954 from Toronto to Fredericton are advised to self-monitor for 14 days. If any symptoms develop, they should call Tele-Care 811 or complete an online self-assessment to get tested.

Five new confirmed cases were announced by Public Health on Sunday, bringing the province to 104 active cases.

Three of those cases are in the Campbellton region (Zone 5), and are an individual under the age of 19, an individual between 60 and 69, and an individual between 50 and 59. The source of those cases remains under investigation and the individuals are self-isolating, according to Public Health.

Two new cases were also reported in the Moncton region (Zone 1), an individual between 70 and 79, and an individual between 80 and 89. The province says both are linked to a previous confirmed case and are self-isolating.

Most cases in Campbellton region

More than half of New Brunswick's active cases are now located in the Campbellton region, which is at 57. There have been five confirmed cases of COVID-19 at schools in the region.

It's been more than a week since the Moncton and Campbellton regions were forced back to the more restrictive orange phase. The rest of the province remains under yellow-level restrictions.

There are 43 active cases in the Moncton region (Zone 1), three active cases in the Saint John region (Zone 2), one active case in the Fredericton region (Zone 3). 

There have been 310 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick and 203 have recovered. There have been three deaths.

The province conducted 1,065 tests on Friday for a total of 92,060 since the start of the pandemic.

What to do if you have a symptom

People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test on 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.