Public Health confirmed the 24th death of a New Brunswick resident to COVID-19 on Tuesday, February, 16, 2021. The person was a resident of Manoir Belle Vue, an adult residential facility in Edmundston, and was between age 80 and 89. “On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I express sincere condolences to this person’s family and friends,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard at a press conference in Fredericton.

“While this person, like so many others we have lost to this virus, had underlying complications, COVID-19 was the trigger that led to their death and we cannot lose sight of the impact this virus has.” New Brunswick's COVID-19 death count remains small in comparison to other provinces, but losses of lives to the virus are a sobering reminder of just how serious the pandemic continues to be.

“Today we must announce another loss to this virus,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “My heartfelt condolences go out to this person’s loved ones. I would ask all New Brunswickers to keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Dr. Russell reported just three new cases of COVID-19 for the province on Tuesday, one in Zone 1 and two in Zone 4. Zone 4 remains in the Red level of recovery due to the number of active cases in the health zone combined with outbreaks and the need for ongoing contact tracing. The six other health zones are all in the Orange level of recovery. Public Health will not be moving any health zones back to the Yellow level recovery for at least a few more weeks.