New Brunswick update on COVID-19: Rapid testing program launches in schools – October 12, 2021

In Fredericton, Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health, and Dorothy Shephard, the provincial health minister, provide an update on the province’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic. Dr. Russell announces the province has launched a rapid testing program in schools for unvaccinated students who are identified as a close contact of someone has tested positive for COVID-19. Since October 8, positive cases have been confirmed in schools and child-care facilities in zones 1 (Moncton region), 2 (Saint John region), 3 (Fredericton region), 4 (Edmundston region), 5 (Campbellton region) and 6 (Bathurst region). Shephard provides an update on compliance of public-health measures. More than 600 inspections were carried out over the Thanksgiving long weekend in stores, restaurants, events, entertainment and fitness venues, and several private dwellings. "Circuit-breaker" restrictions went into effect on October 8 in areas of the province with high transmission rates. Those restrictions will remain in place for 14 days.