FREDERICTON — New Brunswick health officials are confirming the first cases of the Omicron variant in the province and advancing the holiday break for students in kindergarten to Grade 6.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell told reporters Monday there are two cases of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus in the Miramichi region and one in the Moncton area.

She said four other COVID-19 cases that are directly linked to the three confirmed infections are presumed to involve the Omicron mutation.

"We fully expect to see more," she said at a news conference in Fredericton.

"These new cases are linked to the recent outbreak at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia," she said. "We are working closely with our Nova Scotia colleagues to slow the further spread of this variant to our region."

Russell reported 100 new cases of COVID-19 in the province Monday and two more COVID-19-related deaths. New Brunswick has 1,048 active reported infections and 41 people in hospital with the disease, including 14 in intensive care.

"It is more important than ever that New Brunswickers become fully vaccinated as soon as possible," Russell said. "Given the growing number of cases among young children in our province, it is vital that every parent ensures that their children between five and 11 years of age get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine."

Premier Blaine Higgs said Monday students in kindergarten to Grade 6 will begin their holiday break at the end of day this Friday, a week ahead of schedule. All sports and organized activities for children under the age of 12 were suspended as of Monday night.

Higgs said extending the school break to three weeks should cut down on transmission and allow officials to catch up on vaccinations of that age group.

He also announced changes for businesses starting at midnight Friday. Entertainment centres, including movie theatres, professional sporting events and casinos, will operate at 50 per cent capacity, with two-metre distancing required. In restaurants, distancing of two metres has to be maintained between tables and proof of vaccination remains required, Higgs said. The two-metre rule will also be in effect in retail shops, spas, salons and gyms.

Households will have to limit their contacts to the same 20 people, and Higgs said depending on the situation in the coming days and weeks, further restrictions could be required.

"The last 21 months have been filled with challenges and with the confirmation of the Omicron variant in our province, we now face a new challenge," the premier said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2021.

Kevin Bissett, The Canadian Press