64 active COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care homes as province adjusts to no restrictions
CBC
New Brunswick has active COVID-19 outbreaks at 64 long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, figures released Thursday by the Department of Social Development show.
And soon, those facilities will have to foot at least some of the added expenses themselves, a spokesperson suggested.
A total of 673 people are infected.
Fifty-one people have died in the outbreaks, including 30 at nursing homes, 17 at special care homes and four at memory care homes.
They died some time during the Omicron-fuelled fifth wave, which began in early January, according to department spokesperson Rebecca Howland. She did not provide any dates.
New Brunswick lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on Monday, when the emergency order ended.
But long-term care facilities continue to follow Public Health guidance "to protect those who are vulnerable to severe illness and hospitalization," the Department of Health has said.
"The facilities have been advised of the policies and protective measures, including the wearing of masks and isolating those who are ill, to address any outbreaks of COVID-19," it said in a news release.
Visitors are required to wear a mask, however, they may remove their mask when in a resident's room at the resident's discretion, according to the release. "The Department of Social Development will continue to ensure that standards and policies are followed through regular inspections," it said.
"Public Health officials understand the facilities will work to establish a balance between ensuring an appropriate level of protection for residents and allowing access to visitors, especially family members."
Howland said outbreaks continue to be under the mandate of Public Health, and it will declare when an outbreak is over. The Department of Social Development is working closely with them, she said.
"The safety of residents in our long-term care homes has always been a priority for us and remains one as we transition to life after the pandemic," Howland said in an emailed statement.
"The Department of Social Development is providing support and working with facilities to regain autonomy. During this transition, facilities will receive the tools they need moving forward.
"The Department will continue to cover the costs of emergency cleaning and meals during an outbreak until April 30."
Much of Newfoundland is digging out of a blustery and messy day as another storm slams into the island.
Timiskaming—Cochrane MPP John Vanthof recalls the meeting in Thunder Bay earlier this month. He was part of the nine-day road trip along Highways 11 and 17 with other NDP MPPs.
A bill before the Nova Scotia Legislature is proposing raising the age limit for support for young people who have been in the foster care or group home system to 26.
The Fredericton Police Force has reallocated funds so new staff can be hired this year to better manage evidence after a police error upended murder cases against five people.
One of two pilots killed in a plane crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport Sunday earned his wings at an Ontario college, CBC News has learned.
Air Canada passengers who were aboard Flight 8646 when the CRJ-900 aircraft struck a fire truck upon landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Sunday evening say the collision was sudden and forceful, and they may owe their lives to the pilots who died in the incident.
Cardiac services are set to expand at a Winnipeg hospital once regarded as one of the best in Canada for heart care.
A 26-second TikTok video has ignited a larger conversation about vulnerable populations, theft and content creation.
Some family doctors and emergency room physicians working in Edmonton hospitals warn that an April 1 end to stipend pay arrangements could put patient care at risk and increase suffering.
An Auditor General of Canada report has found that B.C. saw drastically fewer international students than was forecast ever since wide-ranging federal immigration cuts began in 2024.
Six years after e-learning became a mandatory requirement to get an Ontario high school diploma, students don't appear to be taking online school to diversify their course selection as the province had intended, according to a CBC News analysis of provincial enrolment data.
Sarnia City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday morning to respond to social media comments made by Coun. Bill Dennis, who criticized city spending on a new mural by Indigenous artist Kennady Osborne as “virtue signalling by woke politicians” — then made a series of comments in response to a reply from Aamjiwnaang Chief Janelle Nahmabin that some have characterized as unprofessional and aggressive.
While many Albertans continue to feel the pinch at the pump, Premier Danielle Smith says the government is not considering any fuel tax breaks, as it does not believe it will make much of a difference.