Last Updated: 12:37 PM, Friday, April 17, 2020.
This page is intended to provide general information on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. NBNU will be updating this page with additional information as it becomes available. Guidelines for novel coronavirus COVID-19, targeted at health care workers, are currently under development by the Public Health Agency of Canada as well as by provincial public health offices.
MindSpa : https://nbnu.ca/mindspa/
It is now more important than ever to decompress and feel the support of those around you. MindSpa is dedicated to giving registered nurses and nurse practitioners a break from the rigors of the job during this time of heightened stress, workload and anxiety.
Memos:
Source |
Memo |
Date |
NBNU |
Federal Announcement of Financial Assistance to provinces for LTC sector |
April 15, 2020 |
NBNU |
Checking In |
April 9, 2020 |
NBNU |
Agreement Achieved – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Hospital Sector |
April 6, 2020 |
NBNU |
Joint Statement: COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment |
April 6, 2020 |
NBNU |
Q&A COVID-19 and Health and Safety Measures, including Personal Protective Equipment |
April 6, 2020 |
NBNU |
Members : Thank You Memo |
March 27, 2020 |
NBNU |
Memo re: WorkSafeNB's Position on PPE |
March 23, 2020 |
NBNU |
Q&A : PPE |
March 20, 2020 |
NBNU |
MY RIGHT TO REFUSE UNSAFE WORK: A Guide for NBNU Members |
March 20, 2020 |
NBNU |
Memo re: NBNU Mobility Agreement |
March 19, 2020 |
NBNU |
NBNU Mobility Agreement |
March 19, 2020 |
NBNU |
COVID-19 : Q&A with GNB |
March 18, 2020 |
NBNU |
COVID-19 Preventative Measures |
March 16, 2020 |
NBNU |
Safety is Not Negotiable |
March 12, 2020 |
CFNU |
CFNU position statement_Uniforms during COVID-19 |
April 9, 2020 |
CFNU |
CFNU position statement Pregnant HCWs during COVID-19 |
April 9, 2020 |
CFNU |
Nurses call on federal government to urgently enact COVID-19 safety measures for health care workers |
March 24, 2020 |
CFNU |
Emergency Measures to Support Health Care Workers in the Fight against COVID-19 |
March 18, 2020 |
CFNU |
CFNU's COVID-19 position statement |
February 12, 2020 |
WHO |
The COVID-19 Risk Communication Package For Healthcare Facilities |
March 10, 2020 |
CMHA |
CMHA NB Virtual Services |
April 14, 2020 |
GNB |
COVID-19 Part III Mobility Agreements - FAQ |
April 16, 2020 |
GNB - NB Pandemic Task Force |
COVID-19 Mask use in Health care system |
April 8, 2020 |
GNB |
Travel outside of New Brunswick |
March 27, 2020 |
GNB |
Quick Reference Guide : COVID-19 Supports |
March 27, 2020 |
GNB |
Key – Messages Pregnancy & Infant Feeding |
March 19, 2020 |
GNB |
New Direction on COVID-19 Testing for clinicians |
March 17, 2020 |
GNB |
COVID-19 Referral Form |
March 17, 2020 |
GNB |
How to Self-Isolate |
March 17, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
Weekly Webinars April 14-17, 2020 |
April 14, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
Mental Health Tips During COVID-19 |
April 14, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
HR Bulletin #14 – Extended School Closure |
April 9, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
HR Bulletin – Preventative Measures in the Workplace |
April 8, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
HR Bulletin #12 – Testing for Health Care Workers |
April 1, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
HR Bulletin #11 – Travel Outside of New Brunswick - UPDATED |
March 29, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
HR Bulletin #10: Updates on Daycare Leave and WHSNB |
March 27, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
HR Bulletin #9: Mental Health |
March 27, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
Employee Screening |
March 24, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
COVID-19 HR Bulletin #7: Self-Isolation |
March 20, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
Recommendations on preventive measures for health care workers who are pregnant or breastfeeding |
March 20, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
COVID-19: HR Bulletin #6 - Vacation Leave and Annual Scheduling |
March 18, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
COVID-19: HR Bulletin #5 – Mental Health in the Workplace |
March 17, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
COVID-19: HR Bulletin #4: COVID-19 and Child Care Leaves |
March 17, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
COVID-19: HR Bulletin #3 - International Travel |
March 16, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
COVID-19: HR Bulletin #2 – Protecting Ourselves & Others |
March 15, 2020 |
EM/ANB |
COVID-19 : HR Bulletin #1 – Leaves of Absences |
March 13, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #24a - Message from Maura McKinnon |
April 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 16 |
April 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #23a - Thank You From Horizon Board |
April 15, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #23b - Employee Screening Update |
April 15, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #23c - Cashless Payment Options |
April 15, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 15 |
April 15, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #21a - Corporate Update |
April 9, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #21b - QA Patient Personal Items and Staff Food |
April 9, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 - : Bulletin #21c - HR Update |
April 9, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #21d - NB Human Rights Act |
April 9, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 9 |
April 9, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #20a - CEO Easter Message |
April 8, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #20b - Corporate Update |
April 8, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 8 |
April 8, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
URGENT - COVID-19 - Procedural Masks for Employees |
April 8, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #19a - Corporate Update |
April 7, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #19b - ID-IPC Update |
April 7, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #19c - Pandemic Task Force |
April 7, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #19d - Organizational Chart |
April 7, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 7 |
April 7, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #18a - Corporate Update |
April 6, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #18b - Staff Safety Tips |
April 6, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #18c - HR Update |
April 6, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 6 |
April 6, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB Weekend News Releases |
April 6, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #18f - Guidelines for Shopping |
April 6, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #17a - Privacy Reminder |
April 2, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #17b - Corporate Update |
April 2, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #17c - HR Update |
April 2, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 2 |
April 2, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #16a - Consent to record |
April 1, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #16b - Corporate Update |
April 1, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #16c - HR Update |
April 1, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #16d - Suspension of Donated Items |
April 1, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #16e - Clinical Order Set Process and New Pediatric COVID-19 Admission |
April 1, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from April 1 |
April 1, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #16g - PPE Update |
April 1, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #15a - Thank you from CEO |
March 31, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #15b - Corporate Update |
March 31, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #15c - Megamation Requests |
March 31, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from March 31 |
March 30, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #14a - Corporate Update |
March 30, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #14b - HR Update |
March 30, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB Weekend News Releases - Mar 30 2020 |
March 30, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #14d - Notification of COVID-19 Related Deaths |
March 30, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from March 3 |
March 30, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #13a - Corporate Update |
March 27, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #13b - HR Update |
March 27, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #13c - Hospital Patient Phone Service |
March 27, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #13d - Spectrum App |
March 27, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from March 27 |
March 27, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #12a - Corporate Update |
March 26, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #12b - Anxiety Management Tools Resources and Support |
March 26, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #12c - HR Update |
March 26, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #12d - PPE Health Care Update from March 25 |
March 26, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #12e - Irving Foundation Supports SJRHF |
March 26, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from March 26 |
March 26, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #11a - Corporate Update |
March 25, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #11b - HR Update |
March 25, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #11c - Years of Service Celebrations and Retirement Luncheons |
March 25, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #11d - Community Donations |
March 25, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #11e - Scheduled Outages for Horizon |
March 25, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #11f - GNB Interprovincial, Territorial and International Travelers |
March 25, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from March 25 |
March 25, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #10a - Privacy law violations and privacy breaches |
March 24, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #10b - Corporate Update |
March 24, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #10c - HR Update |
March 24, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from March 24 |
March 24, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 – Personal Protective Equipment for Infection, Prevention and Control |
March 23, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #9a - Corporate Update |
March 23, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from March 23 |
March 23, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin 8 : COVID-19 Update |
March 23, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #8a - Active Screening for Staff and Designated Entrances |
March 22, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #8b - Essential Supplies Ordering |
March 22, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #8c - Ongoing concerns about PPE |
March 22, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Release from COVID-19-March 22 |
March 22, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin 7a - Corporate-Update |
March 21, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #7b - All-User Email Distribution List |
March 21, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #7c - Memo from Extra-Mural Program |
March 21, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #7d : GNB News-Release |
March 21, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #6a - Memo from Board Chair |
March 20, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #6b - Corporate Update |
March 20, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #6c - HR Update |
March 20, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #6d - GNB State of Emergency |
March 20, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #6e - GNB Work Related Travel to United States |
March 20, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #5a - Corporate Update |
March 19, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #5b - HR Update |
March 19, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #5c - Clinical Order Set Approval |
March 19, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #5d - Cyber Security Alert |
March 19, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Releases from March 18, 2020 |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #4a - Thank you Staff |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #4b - Corporate Update |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #4d - IPC Uniforms Scrubs |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #4f - HR Vacation and Scheduling |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #4g - Redeployment of Staff |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #4h - Non-Urgent Professional Services Suspended |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin #4i - Virtual Visits |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB News Releases from March 17, 2020 |
March 18, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin #3a: Corporate Update |
March 17, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin #3b: Child Care Leave |
March 17, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin #3c: NBOTP Tissue Ocular |
March 17, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin #3d: Mental Health |
March 17, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin #3e - COVID-19 - Videoconference and Telehealth Resources |
March 17, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB New Releases from March 17, 2020 |
March 17, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin #2: COVID-19 |
March 17, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
GNB New Releases from March 16, 2020 |
March 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Communications Update |
March 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
IPC Update |
March 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Infection Prevention & Control Guidance for Suspect COVID-19 |
March 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
HR Update |
March 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Routine Practices & Clean Hands e-learning |
March 16, 2020 |
Horizon Health Network |
Bulletin 1a: COVID-19 - Protecting ourselves and others |
March 15, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
Freeze on internal job postings |
March 31, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
Return from travel and selfisolation |
March 30, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
Assessment of individual condition |
March 24, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
HR clarifications on selfisolation, privacy, and leaves |
March 24, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
New guidelines regarding physical distancing |
March 24, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
Assessment of Individual Condition During a Pandemic - Form |
March 24, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
COVID-19 : Bulletin No. 4 |
March 23, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
Vacation Leave and Annual Scheduling |
March, 19, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
COVID-19: Child Care Leaves |
March, 17, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
COVID-19: Support for Staff |
March 17, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
COVID-19: HR update |
March 15, 2020 |
Vitalité Health Network |
COVID-19: HR update on work related travel |
March 15, 2020 |
NBANH |
Mask Use in Health Care System |
April 9, 2020 |
NBANH |
NBANH Wellness Guide |
April 2, 2020 |
NBANH |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Assumption Life Group Insurance Benefits |
March 18, 2020 |
NBANH |
COVID-19 Masking Directives in Nursing Homes |
March 16, 2020 |
Shannex |
Covid-19 Directive to Operations Non-medical Masks |
April 7, 2020 |
Shannex |
Information about what to expect if our community has a case of COVID-19 |
March 26, 2020 |
What is Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV?
According to the World Health Organization, a coronavirus belongs to a family of viruses causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases, like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). A novel coronavirus is a strain previously unidentified in humans. Named COVID-19, this respiratory disease was first detected in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 before spreading to a number of Asian countries and Europe, Australia, the USA and Canada. There are now thousands of confirmed cases in mainland China and more than 100 dead. The incubation period for the new coronavirus is thought to be up to 14 days.
Have there been any confirmed cases in New Brunswick?
As of today, April 17th, Public Health reports no new cases of COVID-19. Of the 117 cases previously confirmed, 66 are travel-related, 42 are close contacts of confirmed cases and nine are the result of community transmission.
During the pandemic, 13 people have been hospitalized and seven have since been discharged. Three of the six patients remaining in hospital are in an intensive care unit.
To date, 80 people have recovered.
During the pandemic, 13 people have been hospitalized and seven have since been discharged. Three of the six patients remaining in hospital are in an intensive care unit. To date, 80 people have recovered.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat and headache. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
As a healthcare worker, what should I do if I suspect I have the coronavirus?
As of March 20th, Healthcare workers and staff that are symptomatic (new onset/exacerbation of chronic cough or fever) and provide direct patient contact should be tested for COVID19 regardless of travel history, and they should stay off work and self-isolate until test results are negative.
Health care workers and staff that provide direct patient care includes the following: RHA institutions; Ambulance New Brunswick, Extra Mural Program, other home health care providers, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists/technicians, long-term care providers, staff from Canadian Blood Services and health care providers in First Nations communities.
Those who have developed symptoms starting before March 20th do not require testing, as the most infectious period would have already passed at this stage. A dedicated telephone line has been set up for Health Care workers and staff to call should they develop symptoms compatible with COVID-19; (new onset/exacerbation of chronic cough or fever) at 1-833-475-0724.
With respect to employer announcements regarding a COVID-19 quarantine:
For our Part III members, please refer to your Collective Agreement, Article 25.11 “No employee shall suffer a reduction in salary when absent from work because of a quarantine ordered by a Medical Health Officer”. As a result, NBNU takes the position that if you are not COVID-19 positive, and otherwise healthy, you should be placed on leave of absence with pay during such a quarantine. If you have COVID-19 positive, you will be required to use sick time.
For our Nursing Home members, we have been advised that the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes released a memo that states:
Staff and visitors who have traveled internationally (the traveler only, and not their contact or family members) are to be restricted from the nursing home for 14 days after they have returned.
As such, if the employer asks an employee to stay home because she’s back from vacation and suspects that she may have been exposed, then the employer will grant a LOA with pay for the quarantine. If, however, the employee comes back and has symptoms, she will take sick leave for the quarantine.
How can I protect myself and my family?
General guidelines to protect yourself from infections include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are ill.
- Staying home when you are ill.
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throwing the tissue in the garbage and washing your hands; if you don’t have a tissue, sneezing or coughing into your sleeve or arm.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Early Childhood Services Portal
Should members be in need of childcare they must register to the Parent Portal. There is a toll free number – 1-833-221-9339 where parents can call as well.
It is important that all parents still continue to apply the directives around travel, self-isolation, and self monitoring as indicated in Government’s Coronovirus web page : https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus.html
The decision to designate facilities as emergency early learning and childcare sits with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. If there are facilities interested in offering emergency services, they should contact their Quality Assurance Monitors.
What can registered nurses do to take action on coronavirus at work?
- Comply with existing workplace infection control policies and procedures.
- Update your N-95 respirator fit testing and wear an N-95 respirator if there could be any risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Use required droplet, contact and additional airborne precautions such as (but not limited to): gloves, gowns, face shields, respirators, goggles, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) (for aerosol-generating procedures, e.g. intubation).
- STOP if you do not have the required personal protective equipment or properly fitted respiratory protection, and speak with your manager or supervisor; document the situation and copy your union and Joint OH&S Committee representative.
- REPORT any health and safety concerns, including gaps in adequate protocols and procedures and/or communications, training, access to PPE or other health and safety concerns to your manager or supervisor, copying your Joint OH&S Committee and your union.
Ensure your employer has:
- Consulted the Joint OH&S Committee on all measures, procedures and training with respect to COVID-19.
- An adequate supply of appropriate N95 respirators on hand as well as PAPR (for aerosol-generating procedures, e.g. intubation).
- Conducted a risk assessment to determine all points of potential entry (and how to restrict them) and other points of potential exposure for workers (e.g. screening, triage, isolation rooms).
- In place relevant travel screening and worksite/unit exposure controls.
- In place suitable structural barriers (e.g., ceiling-to-floor plexiglas barriers at triage and registration).
- Completed respirator fit testing and training for all health care workers at risk.
- Dedicated teams of clinicians who are protected with and trained in the use of proper personal protective equipment for 2019-nCoV, including teams trained in the use of N-95 respirators and PAPR (for aerosol-generating procedures), who are ready to respond and care for both confirmed cases and individuals who may be under investigation.
- Airborne infection isolation rooms available.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your Labour Relations Officer or email NBNU at info@nbnu.ca.
For further information about the 2019 novel coronavirus: