FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following update on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was issued today by Dr. Cristin Muecke, acting medical officer of health:

All New Brunswickers have a role to play to prevent the spread of respiratory infection by taking simple actions including washing your hands frequently, covering your cough and sneezes, and staying home when sick.

We are asking all travellers who are returning to New Brunswick from outside the country, no matter where they were in the world, to monitor themselves and their children closely for symptoms for 14 days.

Symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing may take up to 14 days to appear. Should an individual who has recently traveled outside the country experience these symptoms, they should:

isolate themselves from others as quickly as possible;

immediately call 811 or their health-care provider;

describe their symptoms and travel history; and

follow instructions carefully.

There are several ways that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) could affect the province but the provincial government is committed to being prepared for any eventuality. The province has been planning for a flu pandemic for several years, and it has a comprehensive system in place to address a pandemic situation.

Preparations are being carried out in collaboration with other provincial and territorial public health agencies and the Public Health Agency of Canada, which is working with its international partners.

The Department of Health is continuing to work closely with its partners and continues to issue public updates as they become available.

It is recommended that people with influenza-like symptoms limit contact with other people, including other household members, until they are free of symptoms and are feeling well.

It is important for New Brunswickers to understand that if they do not have influenza-like symptoms it is safe to go to work and school, to participate in activities, and to socialize, unless they were directed otherwise on their return from being outside the country.

Media Contact(s)

Bruce Macfarlane, communications, Department of Health, 506-444-4583.

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