FREDERICTON — Health officials in New Brunswick say two people died as a result of COVID-19 over the weekend and there have now been 172 deaths in the province from the virus. 

They say one person died in the Saint John region and the other was in the Miramichi region, and both were in their 70s. 

There are now 7,668 active cases of the virus in the province. 

New Brunswick's Green party is calling on the provincial government to tighten public health restrictions in communities hardest hit by COVID-19.  

Leader David Coon says the measures are needed to ensure students can go back to school and health-care workers are protected.  

In a statement Coon points out the high number of active cases and hospitalizations in Saint John and Moncton and says government should implement tougher measures to limit public gatherings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2022.

The Canadian Press