FREDERICTON — New Brunswick is reporting 90 new cases of COVID-19 as the province struggles to contain the fourth wave of the pandemic. 

Public health officials say along with 43 recoveries, the province now has a total of 640 active cases. 

They say 32 people are hospitalized with the virus, including 18 people in intensive care. No one under age 19 is currently hospitalized.

Any household in New Brunswick with a positive case of COVID-19 must now isolate for 14 days, regardless of vaccination status.

Health officials say the province will start offering vaccines to children aged five to 11 as soon as the child vaccines arrive.

The province says regional health authority community clinics and some pharmacies will play a role in administering vaccines to children, with more details on the rollout expected soon. 

Officials say more than 87 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and more than 93 per cent have received their first dose of a vaccine.

They say health-care personnel – including those working in long-term care facilities – and residents of First Nations communities can now book an appointment to receive a booster dose as long as six months have passed since their second dose of a vaccine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2021.

The Canadian Press