Two more swimming areas in the Saint John region have been closed due to high levels of bacteria.

The latest closures involve Gondola Point Beach and Ritchie Lake in the town of Quispamsis.

Officials said Thursday that routine samples collected by the Department of Health showed elevated E. coli levels.

“People and pets should stay away from the water,” the town said in a tweet, adding that swimming would be closed until further notice.

Gondola Point Beach was also closed for several days earlier in July for the same reason.

Meanwhile, in Saint John, three swimming areas were closed on Wednesday due to high levels of E. coli bacteria.

Officials said Lily Lake, Fisher Lake and Little River Reservoir would remain closed to swimming until further notice.