N.B. reports nine new cases

Public Health authorities in New Brunswick reported nine new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and announced the Saint John region of the province would be moving to an Orange level as of midnight.

Seven of the new cases were based in the Saint John region, while two were reported in Moncton. Public health authorities reported a risk of community transmission.

“We are continuing to see an increased number of cases of COVID-19 in the province, especially in Zone 2, the Saint John region,” Premier Blaine Higgs said in a news release.

“It is important to note that if we can’t get the numbers under control quickly in the Saint John region, we may need to move it to the Red level.”

Several of the cases in the Saint John region were linked to an outbreak at Shannex Tucker Hall, a nursing home in Saint John. Contact tracing has commenced, and officials will conduct testing of the facility’s residents and staff today.

In addition, public health authorities warned of public exposure at three locations in Saint John: the Rocky Sports Bar, Big Tide Brewing Company and Java Moose.

Two potential public exposures were also reported in Moncton, one at the Keg Steakhouse at 576 Main St. and one at a fitness room located at CEPS Louis-J. Robichaud, 40 Antonine-Maillet Ave.

New Brunswick has reported 401 total confirmed cases, of which 343 have recovered.

Nova Scotia reported five new cases on Friday.

No cases were announced on P.E.I.