Rising COVID 19 numbers prompt New Brunswick hospitals to move to Red Alert level

FREDERICTON — Hospitals in New Brunswick are moving to the Red Alert level and postponing some non-urgent procedures as a result of a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases.

There are now more than 1,000 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and as of Monday 56 people were hospitalized due to the virus, with 20 in intensive care.

Hospitals of the Vitalite Health Network moved to the Red Alert level today, although the Campbellton Regional Hospital imposed the measures last week to address an in-hospital outbreak.

Hospitals in the Horizon Health Network will do the same Wednesday, and the measures will be in place for at least two weeks.

Horizon CEO Dr. John Dornan says the protocols allow for the redeployment of staff to maintain emergency and intensive care services.

Visits are also temporarily cancelled in all hospitals in the province.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 12, 2021.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc. 2021.