On Thursday, February 11, 2021, Dr. Gordon Dow, an infectious disease specialist with Horizon Health Network and a member of New Brunswick’s pandemic task force, delivered a presentation about COVID-19 variants and the impact he expects them to have on New Brunswick. He was joined by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell and Minister of Health Dorothy Shephard who also provided remarks. 

Dr. Dow, Minister Shephard and Dr. Russell unanimously agreed that, while the variants do pose a threat and are more contagious than the original strain of the virus, New Brunswickers can control the spread of all strains of the virus by following Public Health's guidelines for protective measures and also getting tested if they have any symptoms.

“The COVID-19 variants are 30 to 70 per cent more contagious,” Dow said. “But if we all keep following Public Health guidelines, while the provincial government works to vaccinate our most vulnerable residents, New Brunswick will remain a leader in our response to the virus.”

"Health zones will need to remain in the Orange level for at least two or three weeks, giving the province time to stabilize the number of active COVID-19 cases before we can consider the possibility of moving to Yellow," said Minister Shephard. "We are currently working closely with Public Health to analyze the situation and determine whether any changes should be made to Yellow guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the public.”

After Dr. Dow's presentation and opening remarks from Dr. Russell and Minister Shephard, the three members of the Pandemic Task Force answered questions from journalists as well as questions submitted by members of the public.