FOG BLOG NB COVID 19 UPDATE: STAGGERING 233 CASES OVER THE WEEKEND!

N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 93 new cases, 2 deaths...Public Health reports 67 per cent of the new cases unvaccinated...Public Health reported 93 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths on Sunday.

A person 70-79 in Zone 2 (Saint John region) and a person 50-59 in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) have died. Public Health is also reporting 96 recoveries.

More than 80 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 89.5 per cent have received their first dose of a vaccine.

Of the new cases, 67 per cent are unvaccinated, 13 per cent are partially vaccinated and 20 per cent are fully vaccinated.

"Two more deaths from COVID-19 is tragic news and Marcia and I extend our condolences to the families of those who passed away," said Premier Blaine Higgs.

There are 45 people hospitalized due to the virus, with 20 in intensive care. Of those in hospital, 35 are unvaccinated and 10 are either partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated.

Public Health contact tracing since Friday has determined a number of private gatherings are resulting in transmission of the virus, particularly among unvaccinated people. Events including hunting parties, prayer groups, birthday parties, private funerals and a backyard wedding have resulted in new cases at various locations throughout the province.

"In this fourth wave, we have seen a high number of cases sparked from private gatherings," said Dr. Russell. "Limiting those gatherings to 20 as per the mandatory order helps reduce spread and improve our contact tracing."

Russell says spike in cases, deaths need 'context'

The new cases and deaths follow the largest single-day rise in cases and deaths the province has seen. There were 140 new cases and four deaths announced Saturday.

In an interview, Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, said reviewing the weekend numbers could cause alarm.