New Brunswick Public Health will deliver an update on COVID-19 shortly. It comes after Zones 1 and 3 (Moncton and Fredericton regions) are up for reassessment on their respective recovery phases.

Stay tuned to this thread for the latest. #nbpoli

Here we go!

Dr. Jennifer Russell starts off the presser by paying tribute to the victims of the Ecole Polytechnique shooting, which occurred 31 years ago today on Dec. 6, 1989.

Russell says in Zones 1 and 3, Public Health saw the rapid spread of COVID-19 and says there has been a marked improvement in both zones.

BREAKING: Dr. Jennifer Russell says Public Health supports the cabinet position for Zones 1 and 3 (Moncton and Fredericton) to transition back to the Yellow phase effective midnight tonight.

Zone 2 (Saint John) will remain at the Orange level for the time being.
Russell says she has seen an improvement, but the number of active cases and the risk of transmission is still too high to change the recovery phase.

As Zones 1 and 3 move to Yellow, "the danger of further COVID-19 infections has not gone away," Russell says. "Yellow means caution, not an invitation to go into 'full speed ahead.'"

Russell reminds residents of what the pandemic is like in jurisdictions across Canada, including Nova Scotia and Quebec.

There are four new cases today in New Brunswick, two in Zone 2, one in Zone 1 and one in Zone 4. There are now 82 active cases.

Russell talks about how Public Health reviews changes to recovery phases. She says health authorities removed the restrictions because of the efforts of those in Zones 1 and 3.

As for Zone 2: "Don't give up, you're doing a great job. You just have a bigger hill to climb."

Russell says it was inspiring to hear from a resident in Zone 3 who went public about their experience with COVID-19. This individual caught the virus in her own home. Russell reminds folks to limit their contacts.

"I don't care if I sound like a broken record," Russell says.

Russell acknowledges the Orange phase can pose a barrier to many aspects of life, including businesses, but says "it's worth it" to save lives.

"It remains vitally important that all New Brunswickers do the things to limit the spread of COVID-19," she says.

Premier Blaine Higgs up now.

Higgs says in recent days, more New Brunswickers have complied with Public Health guidelines. He says Public Health will continue to monitor Zone 2 for a change in recovery phases. It could happen later this week.

Higgs has "high hopes" for what the new year will bring, such as a vaccine.

"I am convinced that working together, we will get through this, [even through] the holiday season," Higgs said.

We're now moving to questions from the media. Thank you for joining me today.