2 more COVID deaths in N.B., no new flu deaths

Two more New Brunswickers have died from COVID-19 during the time period of March 24 through March 30, according to the latest figures from the province.

Both deaths were in the age 65 and above group. 

COVID levels remained moderate, the report said, with most indicators of the disease decreasing. The week before, there were three COVID deaths.

There were 36 confirmed COVID cases and 13 hospitalizations during the reporting period, 12 of which were people aged 65 and up. One hospitalization was in the age range of 20 to 44. None of the COVID hospitalizations were in the ICU.

There were two lab-confirmed COVID outbreaks "in other facilities." This means the outbreaks were not in nursing homes.

The positivity rate — or the percentage of lab tests performed that produced a positive result — for COVID tests was four per cent, which is down from the previous report.

The number of COVID cases, outbreaks, hospital admissions and percent positivity are all down from the previous reporting period.

The total of New Brunswick deaths from COVID is now 1,027, but the real total is unknown because the Department of Health only counts deaths in hospitals.

This respiratory season has now seen 91 COVID deaths in hospitals.

No flu deaths

There were no new flu deaths, and "influenza activity remained relatively stable" for the time period, the report said.

This respiratory season has seen 26 Influenza deaths in hospitals.

There were 115 flu cases for the week reported, with three hospitalizations, none of which were in the ICU. This is a decrease in hospitalizations from last week.

Two of the hospitalizations were in the 65 and above age group, with the third being between 45 and 64.

That brings the total number of flu cases this season in the province to 3,249.

With two flu outbreaks, that number is up from last week's numbers. They were both in nursing homes, the report says.

The number of cases, percent positivity and deaths are all stable from last week.

Since Oct. 4, there have been 149,077 COVID vaccinations administered and 222,855 Influenza vaccinations.