At a press conference in Fredericton on Friday, January 29, 2021, Public Health warned New Brunswickers that new variants of COVID-19, such as the ones identified in the United Kingdom and South Africa, possibly are on New Brunswick's doorstep in neighbouring provinces. Although Public Health had suggested earlier in the week that Zone 5 (Campbellton region), Zone 6 (Bathurst region) and Zone 7 (Miramichi region) could possibly return to the Yellow level of recovery if new cases in those zones continued to trend in a healthy direction, Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, announced that they would remain at the Orange level due to concerns about new COVID-19 variants.

“Early data suggests that these new variants may be more contagious, so it is important that we take the necessary precautions now to reduce the transmission of the virus and any of its variants in our communities,” said Dr. Russell.

Changes to Orange level, effective at midnight There are currently two other health zones in the province that are also in the Orange level of recovery: Zone 2 (Saint John region) and Zone 3 (Fredericton region). Although all five zobnes in Orange show signs of improving in terms of case counts and recoveries, Public Health is taking safety precautions by keeping all five zones in the Orange level for the foreseeable future. Recognizing this, Public Health recommended the expansion of the household bubble under the Orange level to include 10 contacts, known as "a steady 10," from outside the household, which will give people the opportunity to see at least some family members and close friends. This modification to the Orange level goes into effect at midnight. To ensure everyone's mental well being, Public Health says New Brunswickers can socialize with their "steady 10," including going to restaurants.

“I know changes to the rules can be frustrating and difficult to keep up with,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “I am asking everyone to continue to be adaptable, as we strive to stay one step ahead of COVID-19.”

Public Health also confirmed that another New Brunswicker, an individual between 80 and 89 in Zone 4 (Edmundston region) who was a resident of the nursing home Manoir Belle Vue, has died as a result of underlying complications, including COVID-19. This is the 18th person in the province to die from the virus.

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to this person’s loved ones,” said Minister Shephard.

“On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I want to offer my sincere sympathy to the loved ones of the deceased,” said Dr. Russell. “Know that we all grieve this heartbreaking loss with you.”