On Tuesday night at 11:59 pm, Zone 2 (Saint John region) and Zone 3 (Fredericton region) will move to the Orange level effective at 11:59 p.m. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell made the announcement at a press conference on Monday, January 25, 2021, in Fredericton.

Public Health made the recommendation to move Zone 2 and Zone 3 back to the less restrictive Orange level after the zones had spent a full seven days in the Red level. The number of daily cases in both zones stabilized over the course of just days, and there were also no new exposures in high-vulnerability settings. Zone 1 (Moncton region); however, will remain at the Red level and Zone 4 (Edmundston region) will remain in lockdown. Dr. Russell said there are still no signs of the more contagious UK strain of COVID-19 in the province.

“We remain concerned about the new variants of the COVID-19 virus, which have now been confirmed in Atlantic Canada,” said Dr. Russell. “While we have not had confirmed cases of the United Kingdom or South African variants in New Brunswick, we need to be vigilant to prevent the rapid spread of this new COVID-19 version of the virus.”

Public Health also confirmed today that an individual between 70 and 79 and resident of Lily Court of Parkland Saint John’s Tucker Hall has died as a result of underlying complications, including COVID-19.

"Today we must announce another loss to this virus,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “This is something that never gets easier, nor should it. On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I want to express sincere condolences to this person’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.”

Dr. Russell and Minister Shephard reminded New Brunswickers to continue their collective efforts to follow Public Health guidelines to ensure the safety of themselves and their fellow New Brunswickers.

“I understand that we are all tired and that the measures we are taking to reduce the spread of this virus may seem inconvenient,” said Minister Shephard. “But know that by complying with Public Health directives and observing these measures you are making a difference. You have the power to protect lives.”