Public Health reported 31 new cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick today, which is the largest single day number of new cases since the pandemic began. All health zones in the province remain at the Orange level under the province’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

“The COVID-19 virus continues to spread across New Brunswick,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, at a press conference in Fredericton. “Everyone must get serious about slowing the spread of the virus and everyone must act now to follow Public Health guidance and advice.”

15 of the new cases are atthe Parkland Saint John complex, a long-term care facility in Saint John. The cases include 11 residents and four staff members at Tucker Hall. Another round of mass testing will take place later this week.

Members of the Provincial Rapid Outbreak Management Team are currently at the complex, providing support for residents and the facility’s clinical care team, as well as working with the facility’s infection prevention specialist to improve infection control measures.

“My thoughts are with the workers, residents and families of Parkland Saint John during this difficult and stressful time,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “I am confident that workers at the facility, along with the members of Provincial Rapid Outbreak Management Team, are doing everything in their power to protect the residents. I thank them for working so hard to contain the situation.”