David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks Mr Jones should have reported about the letter from the CEO of NB Power asking the EUB not to raise power rates and delay its decision on "Not So Smart" meters N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/economic-activity-in-province-continues.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/economic-activity-slows-covid-1.5501986
Economic activity in province continues to slow amid virus fears
Large sections of economy have been shutting down in recent days in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 19, 2020 7:30 AM AT
Point Lepreau generating station has been shut down for repairs, inspections and upgrades in April for seven years in a row, but this year's scheduled event is postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (CBC)
NB Power is postponing $53.5 million in maintenance work on the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station planned to begin next month to avoid aiding the spread of the COVID-19 virus
It's the latest blow to New Brunswick's economy delivered by the global pandemic as all non essential activity in the province that involves close human interaction continues to shut down
NB Power's Marc Belliveau said there are no issues at the plant needing to be addressed immediately but the utility will try to fit the six week shutdown into another window later this year, presumably before the critical winter heating season begins next fall.
The plant will continue to operate as normal until then.
Beyond NB Power
Large sections of New Brunswick's economy have been shutting down in recent days in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Most of the province's $110 million per month restaurant and bar sector, which employs thousands of people, has been shuttered. Sporting events, concerts, theatres, bowling alleys, trade shows, daycares and other public gathering places have also mostly gone dark.
Public spaces were urged to close by Chief Medical Officer of Health Jennifer Russell. 1:16
Other seasonal segments of the economy that normally come alive in spring are still waiting on word of how the virus might affect them.
On Tuesday, the provincial government announced a two week delay in both the listing and opening of construction tenders for building and roadwork - a move contractors and hundreds of labourers and equipment operators who work for them - were left trying to interpret.
NB Power's rate hearing in front of the Energy and Utilities Board in February included testimony about its plans for a six week maintenance shutdown at the Lepreau nuclear plant beginning in April. (CBC)
New Brunswick is one of the last provinces without an electronic tendering system, requiring contractors to hand deliver bids and physically attend public tender openings at government offices.
Tom McGinn with the New Brunswick Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association is hoping the delay is related to that
"We think it is delayed because it (tendering) is not an essential service," said McGinn, "That's our guess."
Major roadwork in New Brunswick normally does not begin until mid–May and McGinn has heard no talk yet of it not going forward as usual.
The Lepreau shutdown was timed for early April; to take advantage of peak hydro electric generation by river dams to provide replacement power, but will now have to move to a less economical window.
That will involve rescheduling contractors and cancelling or rearranging employee vacations to undertake the dozens of repairs, inspections and upgrades that have been planned for more than a year, in some cases..
The $53.5 million budget includes spending $10.5 million on work for outside contractors and $7.6 million on employee overtime - much of which would have flowed into the local economy.
About the Author
18 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. David Amos
Methinks Mr Jones should checkout the letter dated today from Mr Thomas the boss of NB Power whose mandate purportedly ended last month asking the EUB not to raise power rates and delay its decision on "Not So Smart" meters until he confers with Higgy et al N'esy Pas?
Roger Richard
Reply to @David Amos: Sure is: no smart meters for now!
David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
Methinks some folks must have noticed that the photo does show where my
friend Roger Richard was sitting during the EUB hearing N'esu Pas?
Mac Isaac
ATTENTION CBC, CTV, Global et al news organizations: I believe, as do most people; not just NBers, but EVERYBODY tat we're tired of every damned story being about Covid-19. YES, we are all fully aware now of what this dread disease is wreaking on all of us, but it's time to start giving us positive news about this disease, such as placing a bit of emphasis on those who ARE recovering. This doesn't have to be totally on this, but people, I think, need to be able to see a teeny tiny speck of hope down the tunnel. All I'm asking, on behalf of those of us who are quite shell-shocked by all the increasing incidents of Covid-19 spreading and resulting deaths, that you news people share some stories of hope.
I don't need the stories of babies or teens or oldsters dying...what I need, and I believe we all need, are stories of those who contracted Covid-19 and SURVIVED! That's what we need, so please deliver those...you can put in footnotes of those increasing numbers but please GIVE US HOPE! That's my plea to you.
Bryan Jones
Reply to @Mac Isaac:
The news media output in NB is usually trivia, who said what on
Instagram and which star is dating which other star. I'm pleased that
they are actually reporting some real news for a change.
David Amos
Reply to @Bryan Jones: Yea Right
Mac Isaac
Reply to @Bryan Jones:
While I understand your point...sometimes! Your statement isn't
actually correct in this instance. Media outlets from coast to coast and
in Canada and internationally are ALL, i.e. 100% of them diving into
this story and not relinquishing a hold on it...24/7! So your broad
statement, in this instance, is far, far, far off the mark! And
literally no news organization is taking a lesser tone than the g.d. sky
is falling! and i'm not exaggerating even a little bit. All that I'm
asking is a bit of a respite and/or the occasional report about some
successes in beating Covid-19. I don't think that's asking too much.
Even during the worst days of WWII newscasters occasionally mentioned an
allied victory against the Axis powers. THAT'S what I'd like to hear
and/or read...it indicates hope and that's pretty important to any
people fighting a "war". Don't you think?
Robert Smith
Reply to @Mac Isaac: Have you thought about switching off your PC? Sugar coating isn't going to make things better.
David Amos
Reply to @Robert Smith: Methinks he would no wish to miss the circus N'esy Pas?
Johnny Jakobs
Point Lepreau... the flagship of NBPower
Ben Haroldson
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Skeleton staff , full staff same thing.
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @Johnny
Jakobs: with its 400 million dollar operating budget and another 54
million in upgrades each year. How many billion in a refit 10 years ago
that's never hit a predicted target.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: BINGO
Ben Haroldson
Fyi, according to several employees who work there, most of them are home. They are running on what they call a " skeleton " crew, although work is proceeding normally.
Ben Haroldson
Reply to @Ben Haroldson: re Pt Lepreau.
David Amos
Reply to @Ben
Haroldson: Methinks all our public servants are far too fat, dumb and
happy happy happy that they can sit home and dream of going hunting
turkey next year thanks to the same dude who oversees NB Power N'esy
Pas?
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Welcome to Higgy's latest Circus
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/economic-activity-in-province-continues.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-outbreak-premier-blaine-higgs-new-brunswick-1.5502607
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Province declares state of emergency
Confirmed cases jump to 7, with 4 probable
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 19, 2020 1:07 PM AT
Premier Blaine Higgs said he is convinced the province can manage the pandemic if everyone reacts properly. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)
New Brunswick has declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, giving the government broad powers to enforce business closures and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus, Premier Blaine Higgs announced Thursday.
It comes as the number of confirmed cases has jumped to seven, and the number of probable cases stands at four. No one has been hospitalized.
The government did not make the decision lightly but was compelled to take this "extraordinary measure" because too many people are still not following the advice of public health officials, Higgs told reporters during the daily briefing in Fredericton.
"These are unprecedented actions, but these are necessary as we are in unprecedented times."
There are seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. (Photo: CBC News)
Retail operations must close, with some exceptions, such as grocery stores, retailers of fuels, repair garages, post offices, financial and lending institutions, convenience stores, hardware and automotive parts, animal and fish feed providers, pharmacies, gas stations, NB Liquor and Cannabis NB.
All businesses required to stop admitting patrons are permitted to sell online or over the phone and to arrange delivery or pickup of purchases
At a news conference Thursday, Higgs listed the businesses and operations that have been ordered to close immediately. 2:59
Barber shops, hairdressers and salons must also cease operations.
Public schools, universities, colleges, and private schools must remain closed to students until further notice.
Plumbers
and electricians are exempted as long as they haven't been outside
Canada because they will have to self-isolate within their home for 14
days after their return to Canada.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, says the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has jumped to seven. (Photo: Mike Heenan/CBC)
She said she is "concerned" New Brunswickers are not doing enough to help the health-care system manage the crisis, preventing further illness and saving lives.
Russell has asked people to stay home if possible and to maintain a social distance of six feet, or about two metres.
"Before this was a recommendation, today it's a requirement," Higgs said.
"I am convinced that this decision to declare a state of emergency is the best way to protect everyone in New Brunswick," he said.
The Happy Baker with empty seats inside its closed location in downtown Fredericton. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
"It will allow us to avoid the dire situation we are seeing in other areas around the world."
Speaking of people not following the government's advice, Higgs pointed to travellers being picked up at the airport and driven home by family and friends as if everything was normal.
"We believe that 'it won't happen to me.' And you know what? It's happened to a lot of people and right now folks in Italy are saying, 'I wish I paid more attention.'"
According to the Public Health website, 410 of the tests done so far have come back negative for the virus.
What about enforcement?
If people don't follow these orders, the province will look at different ways to enforce the new rules and look at "next steps," Higgs said.
"This is not optional."
Asked if it's possible someone could go to jail for disobeying, Higgs said the declaration does provide authorities with such powers.
"But that is not our intent," he said. "Nor do we hope that we get there.
"But I think that residents need to understand that we only do this to ensure that these rules, these requirements, must be followed."
Here is a roundup of other developments Thursday:
Listen to your doctor
According to government, every person who has been directed by a physician to self-isolate, has to obey.
Every person who has been outside Canada will self-isolate at home for 14 days after their return to Canada. If they experience symptoms of COVID-19, they need to self-isolate until they are free of symptoms.
All regulated health service providers are stopping a lot of their regular operations but not essential or emergency health care.
Most unregulated health services providers have to immediately stop their operations, under the declaration of a state of emergency.
What about my business?
Government has also ordered owners and operators who run places that attract large groups to now limit gatherings to 10 people at most.
Owners
and managers of all workplaces and activities have been ordered
to ensure minimal interaction of people within two metres of each other
and carry out other prevention advice from Public Health.
Hotels can stay open provided they reasonable steps to prevent gatherings of more than 10 people.
Meanwhile, the right of landlords to evict tenants for not paying rent has been suspended until May 31.What about my driver's licence?
All licences, registrations, certificates and permits issued by the Province of New Brunswick that are valid as of March 16, will remain valid until May 31 unless suspended by a court or by other authority under an Act of the Province.
Service New Brunswick is also working with the Department of Public Safety to address services that can't be done online because certain documentation must be presented in person.
Service New Brunswick announced earlier this week that it was closing all centres for now.
Clinic picture uncertain
If patients without a family doctor have health issues unrelated to COVID-19, they should contact a local walk-in clinic where possible, the New Brunswick Medical Society says.
This could be difficult to navigate, since some walk-in clinics are open and others have closed because of the outbreak. The closures include the Mountain Road After Hours Medical Clinic in Moncton and the Millidgeville Medical Clinic in Saint John.
Three new presumptive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, bringing the province's total to 11. (Shutterstock) At the New Maryland After Hours Clinic near Fredericton, patients are being encouraged to call the clinic instead of waiting in groups to see a doctor.
On Wednesday, chief medical health officer Jennifer Russell encouraged patients who don't have family doctors but need prescription renewals or help unrelated to the coronavirus to call 811.
It wasn't clear from Russell's answer how the 811 service would get people help from doctors, but she did say the province was working on the issue with the medical society.
According to the society website, as of July 2018, more than 44,000 New Brunswickers were without a family doctor.
Provincial parks close
Following government's decision to shut down all non-essential services, all provincial parks are closed until further notice.
This closure includes the three provincial parks which are usually open during the winter months: Mount Carleton, Mactaquac and Sugarloaf.
Why Saint John Transit is offering free fare
Saint John Transit will not be collecting fares from passengers taking the bus.
Riding the bus in Saint John is free for the time being. Saint John Transit has asked passengers to enter through the back doors of buses to avoid contact with drivers. Passengers with disabilities can still board through the front doors.
Trish Ellsworth, chair of the Saint John transit and Parking Commission, said public transit is for people who cannot and do not have an option to work from home, like health care providers and grocery store workers.
"This is not now a free–for–all to go on a coffee date with some friends, as our government officials have been saying for a number of days now. We should be isolating and we should be staying home if at all possible."
Air Canada suspends flights
Air Canada has postponed a number of domestic flights that will affect four New Brunswick airports until April 30.
The suspended flights include:
- Flights between Ottawa and Moncton starting March 23.
- Flights between Saint John and Toronto starting March 23.
- Flights between Montreal and Bathurst starting March 23.
- Flights between Fredericton and Toronto starting April 1.
"There's a lot of people arriving, and not a whole lot leaving, said Fournier. "Obviously everybody is scrambling to get back home. We believe that April will obviously be very slow until the curve [of Covid-19 cases] can be settled down a little bit."
What to do if you have any symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. With any of these, residents should:- Stay at home.
- Immediately call Tele-Care 811.
- Describe symptoms and travel history.
- Follow instructions carefully.
About the Author
With files from Sarah Morin
151 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. David Amos
Welcome to Higgy's latest Circus
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks we get the governments we deserve N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/economic-activity-in-province-continues.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/emergency-declaration-workers-businesses-1.5503382
What does N.B.'s emergency declaration mean for businesses and workers?
Move gives province much more power over people, employers
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 19, 2020 6:26 PM AT
The Happy Baker with empty seats inside its closed location in downtown Fredericton. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
The province's declaration of a state of emergency changes what businesses can stay open and what employers must do to keep employees safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday, Premier Blaine Higgs declared a state of emergency in New Brunswick, using the powers in the Emergency Measures Act.
It's a move that gives the government much more control over people and businesses.
"You should only leave the house for groceries or essential items," Higgs said during a news conference in Fredericton.
But many people will still need to go to work so various essential services, including grocery stores and gas stations, can remain in operation.
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs says the declaration makes measures affecting businesses and workers mandatory. (Photo: Shane Fowler/CBC New)
Notably, the declaration means that after a week of public health recommending - without the power to enforce - now there are legal requirements.
- Owners and operators of locations
where people may gather in large numbers must take all reasonable steps
to prevent gatherings of more than 10 people;
- Owners
and managers of all workplaces must take every reasonable step to
ensure minimal interaction of people within two metres of each other;
- Carry out advice to minimize risk as issued by the chief medical officer of health.
Employers are required to scale down operations to only essential workers. Employers will themselves define who is essential.
As well, any business with a "public facing" element must halt that portion of its operations.
NB Liquor and Cannabis NB can remain open, but Higgs said they will have reduced hours.
The declaration came after Higgs told reporters Tuesday that invoking the Emergency Measures Act wasn't required.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, said Thursday she supports the move to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and "ensure compliance."
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, says she supports the declaration of a state of emergency in the province. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
Jim Cormier, Atlantic director with the Retail Council of Canada, said the orders to close and the pandemic have resulted in "trying times for the retail sector in New Brunswick."
He said he's hopeful the province will also come out with an assistance package for businesses affected by closures that builds on those announced by the federal government.
He said businesses closed for weeks or months will face difficulty paying premiums for workers compensation, property taxes and power bills.
"A call centre that does not meet the required distancing needs to change their configuration to ensure that they do so," Higgs said.
Jason Purdy, executive director of the industry group ContactNB, said many workplaces have implemented work-from-home. About 20,000 people in the province work at call centres.
Purdy said some call centres deal with information that's sensitive that can't leave the building. In those cases, he said operations are reducing to "skeleton crews."
Locations putting employees at risk face shutdown
Higgs offered few specifics when pressed by reporters on how the declaration would be enforced, saying he hoped the move would result in a shift in people's thinking before enforcement is required.
Later in the day, Higgs said on the CBC New Brunswick Political Panel podcast that the province is setting up a phone line people can call to report problems.
"We will monitor those sites, we will visit those sites and we will ensure compliance," Higgs said.
"And if a facility is not maintaining health and hygiene and is in fact exposing their employees, we will shut them down. We don't have a choice."
Does WorkSafeNB have a role?
WorkSafeNB's website says the agency's vision is to keep "people safe and healthy at work." Does that mean it can step in if issues arise related to the pandemic?
Laragh Dooley, director of communications with WorkSafeNB, told CBC the agency "does not have the authority to enforce public health recommendations on workplaces."
WorkSafeNB can investigate whether a workplace has taken reasonable measures to ensure health and safety of employees, which Dooley said could differ by workplace.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, each employer in the province must take reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Employees have the right to refuse work they believe is unsafe.
Such complaints can be investigated by WorkSafeNB, Dooley said. As of Wednesday, Dooley said the agency hasn't received any complaints.
State of emergency declaration
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About the Author
With files from Danielle McCreadie, Jordan Gill and Elizabeth Fraser
44 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. David Amos
Methinks even though I am a senior with no Medicare Card thanks to Higgy et al and have a bum ticker and a severe shortness of breath as well, I see no reason to be upset. I truly believe folks need to consider this a vacation away from a mad mad world. Relax. There is nothing you can do about it other than to stay away from other folks and watch the current circus unfold its tent N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
They claim there are two things we cannot escape death and taxes. So
why not find some fun dicing with them? Trust that I intend to continue
frustrating the Tax Man and the Grim Reaper despite the existence of a
scary stock market crash and a nasty virus.
David Peters
Look at that emergency measures act. Talk about giving up liberty for security...
Though, it's said that when you give up liberty for security, you end up with neither.
David Amos
Reply to @David Peters: Methinks you should give old Ben Franklin the credit for that opinion N'esy Pas?
David Peters
Reply to @David Amos:
It certainly seems to apply, when considering emergency measures, imo.
It certainly seems to apply, when considering emergency measures, imo.
Marc Bastarache
Why are store hours being limited?... Doesn't that concentrate people together?
You'd think leaving a skeleton staff -- and opening stores for 24 hours -- would allow people to shop in the middle of the night -- spreading out crowds into thinner slices..
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Bastarache:
Like how they forced everyone abroad to rush to already crowded airports...
Like how they forced everyone abroad to rush to already crowded airports...
David Amos
Reply to @Marc Bastarache: Good Point
James Cameron
The response is disproportionate to the threat.
I don’t know what is worse, getting the flu, losing all your freedoms, or losing your home because you can not work. Doesn’t make sense.
Max Power
Reply to @James
Cameron: It's not the flu. It's a virus and a disease. And if it
prevents one vulnerable person from dying , then the inconvenience is
worth it.
David Amos
Reply to @Max Power: Gee did they find any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq yet?
Lewis Taylor
It means we do not have a surplus as usual.
David Amos
Reply to @Lewis Taylor: Methinks you liberal dudes want too much anyway N'esy Pas?
Michael durant
Food, booze and weed. We can still go for these services if we limit the amount of food, one roast not five please. My wifes sees her doctor once/month to monitor cancer, Her appointment for yesterday cancelled yesterday. There was no video conferencing available btw...what was the province even talking about? Appointment re-booked for April 29th.
David Amos
Reply to @Michael durant: My hospital visit and meeting with my doctor were cancelled as well
"You should only leave the house for groceries or essential items," Higgs said. This needs to be clarified for those who are now thinking (and there are some) they can't go for a walk or out to their own yards. Health authorities are indicating that being outside walking around is perfectly fine for healthy individuals as long as you are following the guidelines regarding social distancing and so on.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @.Jim
.Jackson: I have chronic depression. Outdoor exercise is one of the ways
I manage it. Having read the emergency declaration carefully, I plan
to continue going for a walk each afternoon. To me, that's far more
essential than keeping the alcohol and cannabis stores open! I also
note that while the City of Saint John's website lists several
facilities that they've closed, it does not list any outdoor facilities
such as Harbour Passage, Rockwood Park or the Irving Nature Park. Walk
on, friends. Six feet apart from each other, of course.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @.Jim
.Jackson: I'd also like to point out that this situation is rather
different than a state of emergency declared after, for example, a
blizzard or ice storm. This will not last for days. It will last for
several weeks/a few months. Your immune system will be all the stronger
if you get outdoors to help maintain both your physical and mental
health.
Dan Lee
Reply to @.Jim .Jackson:
if only people that are back from vacation would isolate....some dont take it seriously....if you infect a grocery store in a 1 horse town its going to be devasting for older people......stay home please
if only people that are back from vacation would isolate....some dont take it seriously....if you infect a grocery store in a 1 horse town its going to be devasting for older people......stay home please
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Dan Lee: As long as you stay 6' away from anyone else you meet on your walks, you're not going to get infected.
Dan Lee
Reply to @SarahRose Werner:
on your walks no...but in a store......virus could stay for days.......
on your walks no...but in a store......virus could stay for days.......
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Dan Lee:
Sure, but if you need groceries, you need groceries. Stores that sell
groceries are being allowed to stay open because groceries are an
essential item. No one's arguing that. Jim's point was that *in
addition* to buying groceries, it's safe to go for walks outside as long
as you stay 6' away from other people. You should also stay 6' away
from other people while inside the store.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Dan Lee:
Note that this applies to people who are *not* showing symptoms of
COVID-19, let alone have been diagnosed with it. People who have
symptoms should get tested and people who've been diagnosed should
self-isolate = stay home.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose
Werner: I agree Keep on walking and enjoying what Mother Nature has to
offer on the first day of Spring. Please never lose your faith in
mankind. I know for a fact there are lots of lovely folks in this
wonderful old world just give nod as you keep your distance from them
for now.
John Holmes
Reply to @.Jim
.Jackson: I went for a walk the other day on the Nashawaak trail, and
the trail was busier than I have seen it in a long time. Many people,
whole families and many couples were out, dozens and dozens.
Matt Steele
It is really a joke ; Higgs wants retail to shut down , and force their employees onto EI which only pays 55% of their normal wage ; yet he wants the Govt. operated booze and dope shops kept open . I was in a retail store shopping this afternoon at around 4-15 pm ; all the employees were told at 4 pm that they would no longer have jobs at 5 pm , as the store was closing under govt. order at that time , and management had no idea when the store would reopen . Some of the staff had tears in their eyes....it is really unbelievable how callous and self serving the Higgs govt. has become now that they have the backing of the Green Party
Errol Willis
Reply to @Matt
Steele: Maybe if people weren't "in a retail store shopping", it
wouldn't have gotten to this. How many times do people have to be told
to stay home?
Adam Fowler
Reply to @Errol Willis: Exactly!
Matt Steele
Reply to @Errol
Willis: ....As you may , or may not know ; the world does not revolve
around what politicians command us to do . People are fully capable of
shopping in retail stores while maintaining proper social distancing ,
and cleanliness . I suspect that this hard line that Higgs is trying to
enforce will have the opposite affect as folks will start to push back .
It is really doubtful that people are going to remain penned up in
their homes for weeks on end unless they really have no other life to
live . It is what it is .
Errol Willis
Reply to @Matt Steele:
Not to be trite, but while you personally may be able to do that, not
everyone can or will - as evidenced by the beach scene in Florida
yesterday. It is very unfortunate, but like you say, it is what it is. I
don't agree with those who say stay inside at all costs, but I also
think people should stay out of malls and stores for non essential
items. It's only been a few days and people can't seem to comprehend the
concept of stay home. AS you say - what will happen if this drags on
for two months? The only way to ensure people do not congregate in
closed in locations os to close them, since they obviously don't listen
Max Power
Reply to @Matt Steele: Never underestimate the stupidity of the general public.
David Amos
Reply to @Max Power: Methinks they get the governments they deserve N'esy Pas?
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks the spin doctors are all in the same sinking boat and paddling in different directions N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/economic-activity-in-province-continues.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-covid-19-schools-closures-1.5504887
New Brunswick public schools will stay closed indefinitely
Education Minister Dominic Cardy will have more to say about home-school plans in the days to come
· CBC · Posted: Mar 20, 2020 5:04 PM AT
Officials with the Department of Education said in a memo to parents not to expect home learning options until April at the earliest. (Kevin Mulcahy/Shutterstock )
Schools will remain closed in New Brunswick indefinitely because of COVID-19, the province said Friday.
A memo to parents from the deputy minister of the anglophone education system, George Daley, said they will remain closed "until further notice."
Premier Blaine Higgs said the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is working with districts on how to arrange for students to do school work at home.
Premier Blaine Higgs said public schools across the province will likely not open by March 30. (CBC)
"Where we are at this phase is they're looking at alternative ways that they can have education materials available to students at home," Higgs said.
Earlier in the day on Twitter, Education Minister Dominic Cardy said officials would be working on that next week. Daley said in the memo to parents they "should not expect home learning options until April at the earliest."
Daley urged parents to spend the coming week focusing on physical and mental well-being with their children.
"Resources are being assembled to share early next week to help guide and support your efforts."
Education Minister Dominic Cardy said on Twitter the department was working on many things, including getting schools ready for other uses. (Jacques Poitras/Twitter screenshot)
In his tweet, Cardy said this past week had been about "getting schools ready for other uses."
Asked if that might include COVID-19 patients if existing hospital capacity is overwhelmed, Higgs said that's not the plan.
"Obviously, if the schools are vacant and they are buildings we need for centres of any kind, they could be used," he said. But planning in the health care system now is focusing on existing facilities.
Higgs announced March 13 after a meeting of an all-party committee of cabinet ministers and political party leaders that all schools would close for two weeks.
About the Author
34 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
Shawn McShane
Every day removed from the Left wing establishment protest movement is a good day.
Graham McCormack
Reply to @Shawn McShane: What a moronic statement.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Graham McCormack: ... that characterizes the one who made it, I might add.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I think he meant you .
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you are all in the same sinking boat just paddling in different directions N'esy Pas?
Aaron Lagendyk
Now is a good time for parents to step up and make schedules for their kids. You can still home-school certain things during this time. It helps to keep structure and also to pass the time to keep from going stir crazy.
Zoom software, scanned workbooks, maybe a short video lesson? Light duty stuff. This generation is going to be behind I think if we don't start thinking outside the box. Things aren't brick and mortar anymore; work and school included.
Roy
Nicholl
Reply to @Aaron Lagendyk:
There are many non-academic things you could be teaching your children: cooking, how to sew a button, fixing a dripping faucet, check the oil in the vehicles, repair a broken toy, etc. [at an age appropriate level, naturally]
Have your kids help put together a "todo" list around the house and then tackle a small item every day. It gets them away from the screens and will embody them with more confidence and self-sufficiency.
There are many non-academic things you could be teaching your children: cooking, how to sew a button, fixing a dripping faucet, check the oil in the vehicles, repair a broken toy, etc. [at an age appropriate level, naturally]
Have your kids help put together a "todo" list around the house and then tackle a small item every day. It gets them away from the screens and will embody them with more confidence and self-sufficiency.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Roy
Nicholl: Sounds good , and yet some parents these days are either just
too lazy or more into themselves to actually want to help the kids .
Facebook and YouTube are more their norm !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks your hero Cardy should put down his butter tarts and explain to
you who I am and what my issues are sometime soon because you are too
lazy to do your own research N'esy Pas?
Matt Cowan
with our technology, all classes and courses should be videod and put online. if you are sick and miss English, log on to your school account and watch the video. it wouldn't take much, and would be perfect for stuff like this, or just normal sick days. If you have question that the video didn't answer, email your prof. Best part is you would be able to go back and reference the video, if you didn't understand it initially.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Matt Cowan:
Unless I missed something , I believe this is about SCHOOLS !! Not many
SCHOOLS in NB have Profs ! Universities have already been shut down and
classes have already started online . The problem with doing this with
school kids is that , although I'm not sure of the numbers , most likely
20 to 25 % of the kids have no access to online courses .
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks your VESTCOR buddies had another bad week playing with the
teacher's pension funds but that ok by you N'esy Pas?
TSX and Dow plunge back into the red Friday, capping bleak week for stock markets
Canadian dollar below 70 cents US
Pete Evans · CBC News · Posted: Mar 20, 2020 9:53 AM ET
TSX and Dow plunge back into the red Friday, capping bleak week for stock markets
Canadian dollar below 70 cents US
Pete Evans · CBC News · Posted: Mar 20, 2020 9:53 AM ET
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
"Content disabled"
Reply to @Matt
Steele: Follow Higgy and the money For instance check out how many
"Teacher" dudes are on the board of directors of VESTCORhttps://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/economic-activity-in-province-continues.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-new-brunswick-higgs-government-measures-may-1.5505297
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 6 new presumptive cases bring province's total to 17
Premier Blaine Higgs says peak of virus in New Brunswick could be 5 weeks away
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 21, 2020 8:25 AM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell said all New Brunswickers must take the state of emergency seriously. 'We can't be complacent,' she said. (CBC)
Six new presumptive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in New Brunswick, and two previous presumptive cases have now been confirmed, bringing the province's total number of cases to 17, chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell announced on Saturday.
There are now nine confirmed cases and eight presumptive cases.
Four of the latest ones involve people from the southern part of the province who had been on a cruise, Russell told reporters during the daily update in Fredericton.
She said she didn't have information about whether the individuals had been on the same cruise.
The new cases include:
- A man in his 40s in the south who had been on a cruise.
- A woman in her 50s in central New Brunswick who is a direct contact of a previously identified presumptive case.
- A woman in her 40s in the south who had been on a cruise.
- A man in his 60s in the south who had been on a cruise.
- A woman in her 50s in the south who had been on a cruise.
- A woman in her 20s in the south who is a contact to a travel-related presumptive case.
- A boy under the age of 10 from central New Brunswick announced as presumptive on March 17 and linked to a previous travel-related case.
- A woman in her 60s from the southeast announced as presumptive on March 18 who had been on a cruise.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Jennifer Russell and Blaine Higgs gave an update on New Brunswick COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, on Saturday. 1:42
New Brunswick declared a state of emergency Thursday, giving the government broad powers to enforce business closures and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
"We need to behave as though we all have COVID-19," advised Russell.
"Although there may not be cases in your area yet, you need to act like there are," she said. "There are people traveling from all over the world to different parts of New Brunswick."
As long as returning international travellers self-isolate for the mandatory 14 days, call 811 if they develop symptoms and continue to self-isolate while they await test results, Russell said she "anticipates" being able to contain the travel-related cases.
"That is our goal right now."
Here is a roundup of other developments.
People calling 911 to report on returning travellers
Premier Blaine Higgs said he has heard of residents calling 911 to report returning travellers who are not self-isolating for 14 days.
The government will have a phone line and email set up by Sunday for people to call "for advice on their concerns of how to help family members and neighbours comply with the state of emergency orders," he said.
The phone number and email will be available on the government website and will be shared through social media.
Testing has identified six new presumptive cases and confirmed two previous presumptive cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 17: nine confirmed and eight presumptive. A total of 771 tests have come back negative. (CBC)
"For now, the best thing you can do is to direct returning travellers and all residents to follow the guidelines laid out in the state of emergency order."
People returning from travel outside Canada should not be picked up at the airport by family or friends, or go grocery shopping, the premier has said. They should begin their 14-day self-isolation immediately and have a vehicle dropped off and supplies delivered.
Anyone who gives returning travellers a drive home from the airport, or comes into contact with a traveller, must also self-isolate, Higgs said on Saturday.
P.E.I. to screen at border
Prince Edward Island will be screening anyone anyone entering the province and directing them to self-isolate for 14 days — even if they're arriving from within Canada, the island's chief public health officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, announced Saturday.
P.E.I., which has two confirmed cases of COVID-19, both travel-related, will be setting up screening checkpoints at the Confederation Bridge, Charlottetown airport and Souris ferry terminal, she said.
P.E.I. chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison said the screenings will involve a series of health questions and possibly temperature checks. If people are exhibiting symptoms, their contact information will be taken and they will be directed to next steps for testing. (Ken Linton/CBC)
Higgs told reporters he wasn't given a heads-up about the neighbouring province's decision and it's too early to say if New Brunswick will implement similar measures at its provincial borders.
"We will be discussing this week further measures for cross-Canada travel," he said. "And I think we can get synced-up with other provinces in that regard.
"And I likely will have a discussion with the premier of P.E.I., just to understand the criteria and what he felt was necessary for his province."
Canada-U.S. border restrictions kick in
Meanwhile, the border between Canada and the United States officially closed to non-essential traffic Friday at midnight. The closure is expected to remain in effect for at least 30 days.
Higgs said he has been reassured New Brunswick's Campobello Island residents who intend to travel directly between Lubec and Calais, Maine, for essential services "will not be restricted in those travels.
"Additionally, they will be able to travel from St. Stephen to Campobello Island directly through the United States, as they as they have done for many years," he said.
St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern said his town relies on the traffic flow to and from the U.S. and worries what the 30-day restrictions will bring. (Catherine Harrop/CBC)
New Brunswick towns with border crossings are preparing for less traffic, said St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern. He's worried about what losing that connection to the States will mean for business in his town.
"We really rely on all that traffic," MacEachern said. "I hope we can put this virus to bed as soon as possible, get back to normal, and then help get our tourism back up again."
Under the bilateral agreement, truckers and workers essential to maintaining supply lines are exempt from the travel order.
Also exempt are health professionals and others who work on one side of the border but live on the other. Students who hold valid visas, temporary foreign workers and anyone with valid work responsibilities may also cross.
Relief from excessive prescription refill co-payments
Patients with drug coverage under the province's public drug plans will only be responsible for the initial co-payment on a prescription fill or refill during the state of emergency, effective immediately, said Russell.
For example, a patient with a 90-day prescription will only have a co-payment for the first 30-day fill. There will be no co-payment required for the second and third 30-day fills on the same 90-day prescription, she said.
"This applies to all New Brunswickers that are on the public drug plan, including many seniors and low-income individuals."
On Tuesday, the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists had directed all refills to be capped at a 30-day amount to protect drug supplies in response to last weekend's rush of requests for medication, including requests for early refills.
But patients complained that this would triple their costs in dispensing fees.
New self-assessment tool popular
Nearly 5,500 people have already used the new online self-assessment tool launched Friday by the government, according to Russell.
This has helped reduce the number of calls to Tele-Care 811, which has allowed the health-care professionals to assist callers "more promptly," she said.
The information line has been getting about 1,000 calls a day, up from about 200, Russell has said.
'Very likely' measures will extend into May
On Friday night, Higgs told CBC's News Network that government measures to curb the outbreak will "very likely" remain in place until the end of May.
Although difficult to predict, health officials believe the peak of viral infections could still be up to five weeks away, he said.
"We're planning for months," he said.
The New Brunswick government hopes measures introduced early in the outbreak will help slow the spread of the virus. (Government of New Brunswick)
The total of negative tests jumped to 771 Saturday, up from 509 on Friday.
As of Friday mid-afternoon, no new cases had been diagnosed in two days.
But Russell told reporters she expected the number of cases to increase in the coming weeks, as people return home from travelling abroad.
She also expects the number of screening tests to soon increase, with 13 new community assessment centres set up across the province to help ease the burden in emergency departments, she said.
Wondering what the NB COVID-19 testing centres are like? Horizon Health has created a virtual tour. 0:53
Higgs said Friday public reaction to the state of emergency declaration has been "very strong — and positively."
People are asking more questions about what they need to do, he said.
"This information has been available, but people are looking a whole lot more now and getting informed. And we need that. And we need them to pay attention.
"And I'm happy to say I think that they're doing a whole lot more of that because I need everyone's help here."
Retired doctors offer to help
About eight retired physicians — family doctors and specialists — have contacted the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick about practising again, if their services are required, according to the registrar.
"At this point no hospital has requested any. My bet is that will change as this goes on," Dr. Ed Schollenberg said in an email Friday.
Once the retired doctors have "specific plans," the college can license them to practise, he said.
P.E.I. expedites physician licensing
Earlier this week, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island announced it's expediting the licensing of qualified physicians coming from other provinces and territories to help during the island's outbreak, and for those coming out of retirement.
"At this time of crisis, inter-provincial barriers to physician licensure must not be allowed to stifle the flow of physicians from areas of lesser need to areas of greater need within Canada," president Dr. Matt Kutcher said in a statement.
"Extraordinary times require extraordinary solutions."
Schollenberg said the New Brunswick college's licensing process is "always expedited."
Lining up reinforcements
Horizon Health has also asked other retirees and students in medical training to help with the COVID-19 outbreak, if needed.
Those interested are asked to fill out an online questionnaire.
The health network said they are working to make sure they have proper staffing resources in place, including deploying internal and external resources.
Grocery chain gives staff raise
In a release Saturday, the union representing the employees of Loblaw Companies Limited said they will receive a $2 per hour raise, retroactive to March 8.
"It's an important recognition for the essential work of our grocery and pharmacy workers during this crisis," said UFCW Local 175 president Shawn Haggerty.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. is also adding Plexiglas shields to checkout counters at its Atlantic Superstore locations. The company has acquired the shields and has begun installing them in stores, according to a statement from executive chairman Galen Weston.
Mount A postpones convocation and reunion
On Saturday, Mount Allison University posted on its website that the in-person convocation ceremony and alumni reunion weekend celebrations scheduled for May 8 to 11 are postponed.
The university said a committee will work on a plan to celebrate the graduating class.
"We are working to ensure degrees are conferred so that graduates can continue to make plans for their futures," said Carolle de Ste-Croix, the university's director of alumni engagement.
"At this time the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority."
With files from Gary Moore and Maria Burgos
184 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. David Amos
Methinks I should welcome folks to my world which Higgy and his cohorts in the RCMP know is that of a hermit N'esy Pas?
Adam B
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks "N'esy Pas" is spelled Nes't-ce Pas, Nest-ce Pas?
Pamela
Voisine
Not
all people are listening. I just saw pictures of people in Edmonston
lined up in grocery store and lined up in shoppers drug mart. Not too
smart people
Matt Steele
Reply to @Pamela
Voisine: .....They probably don't have much choice as folks need food ,
and prescribed prescriptions , to survive . Folks can either buy in bulk
and hoard , which empties the store shelves ; or they can venture out
and buy groceries once a week . Kind of a Catch 22 situation for most
people .
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: YUP
David Amos
Reply to @Matt
Steele: Methinks a Catch 22 for you is if you respond and agree with me
you are afraid that you will paint yourself into a corner and appear to
be some sort of nut. Hence you opt to ignore me and all I hear is
crickets coming from your corner while I give you information overload
most of which goes "Poof" N'esy Pas?
Paul Krumm
It
seems there are many options from letting the virus run rampant with no
controls whatsoever to a complete and total lockdown.Where in this
range should we plan? Where is the cost/benefit analysis? Where is the
objective study? Non except an uninformed knee jerk reaction. I may be
wrong but I feel the most cost beneficial option would be to let it run
unfettered.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Paul Krumm: The World Health Organization disagrees.
Louis Leblanc
Reply to @Paul Krumm: How many dead are you willing to tolerate?
Bob Smith
Reply to @Paul Krumm:
Read about the horror stories coming out of Europe and see what
"unfettered" may result in. Lives trump money and business interests.
Repair Guy
Reply to @Paul Krumm:
What makes you feel you are privvy to better information than our
gov't? Because you have an internet connection? Our gov't has access
to experts...real experts. But, yeah, you go with your feelings.
David Amos
Reply to @Repair Guy: Dream on if you think Higgy is in your corner
Paul Estey
Reply to @Paul Krumm: thats what happened in Italy....my opinion...unfettered is not an option....
Wayne Wright
Reply to @Bob Smith: except if you are Donald Trump then money is money is money as is his business interest.
Wayne Wright
Reply to @Repair Guy: so much illegitimate info on the net. Higgs is a facts-type guy
Matt Steele
This
Covid-19 crisis will pass as the virus will be brought under control as
most all countries are throwing their manpower and finances behind it ;
and they are already in the drug testing stage . The bigger problem
will be the damage to the economy , and if a full blown recession , or
depression , follows . Many Canadians are only one or two pay cheques
away from financial ruin , so many may not be able to ride out the storm
; and it is difficult to know how long it will take for the world
economy to recover
Louis Leblanc
Reply to @Matt Steele: No vaccine for 6-12 months.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Matt Steele: Less time than it took us to recover from the Depression of the 1930s.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Methinks it would not be wise to bet the farm on your opinion N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele:
Methinks you and your buddies should have had no problem finding the
missing transcripts and webcasts of this US Banking Committee hearing
and connecting the dots to me. If you had bothered to studu my documents
you would understand that Higgy has been keeping a lot of things under
his hat for many years N'esy Pas?
Full Committee Hearing
Review of Current Investigations and Regulatory Actions Regarding the
Mutual Fund Industry
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003
Time: 02:00 PM
Topic
The Committee will meet in OPEN SESSION to conduct the second in a
series of hearings on the “Review of Current Investigations and
Regulatory Actions Regarding the Mutual Fund Industry.”
Witnesses
Mr. Stephen M. Cutler
Director - Division of Enforcement
Securities and Exchange Commission
Mr. Robert Glauber
Chairman and CEO
National Association of Securities Dealers
Eliot Spitzer
Attorney General
State of New York
Full Committee Hearing
Review of Current Investigations and Regulatory Actions Regarding the
Mutual Fund Industry
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003
Time: 02:00 PM
Topic
The Committee will meet in OPEN SESSION to conduct the second in a
series of hearings on the “Review of Current Investigations and
Regulatory Actions Regarding the Mutual Fund Industry.”
Witnesses
Mr. Stephen M. Cutler
Director - Division of Enforcement
Securities and Exchange Commission
Mr. Robert Glauber
Chairman and CEO
National Association of Securities Dealers
Eliot Spitzer
Attorney General
State of New York
Paul Estey
Reply to @Matt Steele:
Well put in terms of finances, damage to economies and recession. On
the other hand, if everyone would listen to all the warnings that are
being given from all world leaders, this will be brought under control
in a timely fashion. As for individuals 1 or 2 paychecks away from
ruin, the banks have been warning for years that the level of household
debt is out of reach for a lot of canadians, yet they keep on spending.
I ,like you, know many people that do very well job wise but they
continue to spend beyond their means...now some hard choices will have
to be made...
Roy Nicholl
Reply to @Louis Leblanc wrote:
"No vaccine for 6-12 month"
They have just started lab trials of two candidates ... if they are successful, it will still be closer to 12-18 months before a vaccine is widely available.
"No vaccine for 6-12 month"
They have just started lab trials of two candidates ... if they are successful, it will still be closer to 12-18 months before a vaccine is widely available.
Louis Leblanc
Reply to @Roy
Nicholl: I agree. But by that time, this particular strain could be
gone. We need a vaccine that somehow recognizes coronaviruses as a whole
not just this strain.
Roy Nicholl
Reply to @Louis Leblanc:
That is rather unlikely as the family of Coronavirus is diverse. There are handful of human coronavirus (I cannot remember if SARS-CoV2 is number seven or eight) and many more non-human (as of yet) members of the family.
That is rather unlikely as the family of Coronavirus is diverse. There are handful of human coronavirus (I cannot remember if SARS-CoV2 is number seven or eight) and many more non-human (as of yet) members of the family.
Roy Nicholl
Reply to @Roy Nicholl:
"Family" was probably not the best choice of work above. Coronavirus is actually a subfamily of a much larger family Coronaviridae.
"Family" was probably not the best choice of work above. Coronavirus is actually a subfamily of a much larger family Coronaviridae.
Lorne
Matthews
Kudos
to Loblaws for giving staff raises, and well deserved. Impressed by
Galen Weston’s commitment to helping us find our way through this. Is
time for all leaders to step up.
Mike Connors
Reply to @Lorne
Matthews: only UNIONIZED workers received a raise. Not the ones that are
unrepresented. Guess it pays to be unionized.
Mike
Connors
Reply to @Mike Connors: ALL Loblaw workers should have received a raise.
Matt
Steele
Reply to @Mike
Connors: ....Being unionized does not always help . My neighbour is a
Substitute Teacher , and pays into the NBTA , and the NBTF ; and they
got absolutely nothing when the schools closed down . She said she is
off work now without pay , and no sick benefits . She said that the
Substitute Teachers are forced to pay into the Union , yet they get
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING out of it . Just a big money grab by the teachers
union .
Repair Guy
Reply to @Matt
Steele: They get the raise in wages and other benefits the union
negotiates at the bargaining table. But other than that they are
substitute teachers and don't get a lot of what full time teachers get.
Not all that different than lots of other full time vs part time jobs.
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Surprise Surprise Surprise
Matt
Steele
Reply to @Repair Guy:
....Other than a lot of other full and part time jobs are not forced to
pay into a union . I am not totally sure , but she said that she does
not receive benefits of any kind ; but has to pay into the union
regardless .
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Matt
Steele: Follow Higgy and the money For instance check out how many
"Teacher" dudes are on the board of directors of VESTCOR
Mike
Connors
Reply to @Matt
Steele: Galen Weston gave the raise to unionized workers, so are the
unrepresented working any less hard than the unionized ones? Why didn't
he give ALL his employees a raise ??
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @Mike
Connors: And how is it that you think Loblaws is allowed to have
non-union workers? Unions don't work that way, its all or nothing,
excepting management of course.
Wayne Wright
Reply to @Lorne
Matthews: knowing Weston's they are passing the buck in case one of the
employees get infected and liability becomes issue. $$$ help, plastic
screen btwn cashier/customer helps as do markings leading to cash
counter, plus wash stations. Weston does not want any liability issues
because they didn't take protective action.
Wayne Wright
Reply to @Mike Connors: b/c he's a nice guy.
Wayne Wright
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: unions are 'staff desires' if they are convinced they have good
treatment by owners then likely staff won't vote for unionization. Pay
decent wages, offer a med program, etc is one way to keep unions away
plus it is a right in Canada to have a union.
Matt
Steele
It
would be nice if Higgs would announce something about the school system
. It sounds like the schools are going to be closed down for the rest
of March , April , and May , with the students returning in June . If
that is the case , will the schools be open through July and August to
make up for lost instructional time ; or will the students all be given
automatic passes regardless if the work is covered or not ? This
question seems to be on the minds of a lot of parents and students .
Murielle DiDomenicantonio
Reply to @Matt
Steele: For now our children are being protected by their parents as
best they can. It takes time for plans to be put in place. We all need
to be patient and allow the leaders to prioritize whatever they have to
on any one day.
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Methinks at the very least you should say hey to Higgy and the crickets for me N'esy Pas?
Paul Estey
Reply to @Murielle DiDomenicantonio: very well put....patience is required at this time until we get a grasp on this Virus
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Matt
Steele: At this point, neither Higgs nor anyone else knows what the
situation is going to be in two weeks' time, let alone four, six, eight,
etc. weeks. Sure everyone would *like* to know. But if anyone has a
crystal ball, they're being awfully quiet about it!
Roy Nicholl
Reply to @Matt Steele:
It is too early to be setting such plans. If we are successful in flattening the curve, we may still be dealing with this in August.
It is too early to be setting such plans. If we are successful in flattening the curve, we may still be dealing with this in August.
Bruce Sanders
Reply to @Matt
Steele: and that is the conflict that has been created by the decision
to close the schools. Schools never closed in Singapore. My
understanding is that to this point there has been no transmission in
the schools there.
SarahRose Werner
I just got back from the Superstore - still no TP - and want to pass something the clerk at the self checkout area told me. Apparently when people ask for assistance, they don't step back from the register so that the clerk can get to it without crowding in on them. Smarten up and step back, people.
Mike Connors
Reply to @SarahRose
Werner: why are the self serve check outs STILL open? How many dirty
hands are touching these screens? I was at Walmart a few days ago and
NOBODY was wiping the screens after each use. Same goes for Walmart.
This will cause this virus to spread quicker than someone being too
close to you in the check out line.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Mike
Connors: I'd rather use the self serve and disinfect my hands when I'm
done than stand in line in the "cattle chutes" at the serviced
checkouts.
Mike
Connors
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: than YOU are part of the problem.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Mike
Connors: How so? I washed my hands when I came into the store. (The
Superstore has set up washing stations just inside the entrance for this
purpose.) Any germs my hands have picked up since have been acquired
inside the store, presumably by others as well as myself. And nothing
stops anyone from doing what I'm doing, which is to disinfect my hands
afterwards for my
own protection.
own protection.
Roy Nicholl
Reply to @Mike Connors:
If you are really paranoid or cannot be bothered to wash your hands after using the self-checkout, take a pair of disposable nitrile gloves with you when shopping.
You should probable wash your hands again after washing and putting away your groceries at home ... after all someone had to stock those items on the shelves.
If you are really paranoid or cannot be bothered to wash your hands after using the self-checkout, take a pair of disposable nitrile gloves with you when shopping.
You should probable wash your hands again after washing and putting away your groceries at home ... after all someone had to stock those items on the shelves.
Wayne Wright
Reply to @Mike
Connors: to quote you "I was at Walmart a few days ago and NOBODY was
wiping the screens after each use. Same goes for Walmart."
Brilliant if you were at Walmart then "same goes for Walmart"!
Brilliant if you were at Walmart then "same goes for Walmart"!
Lou Bell
Reply to @Mike Connors: Nope , wrong again . Good job Sarah !
Probably catching the virus now in NB liquor stores and cannabis shops.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Michael durant: These are necessities of life. Some tend to forget that.
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks everybody knows the RCMP and the CBC are way past too late ignoring their mandates. Yet CBC is continuing to ignore Section 300 and supporting the obvious malice of Trolls to this very day N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/economic-activity-in-province-continues.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/china-quarantine-coronavirus-saint-john-covid-19-1.5505102
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
"Content disabled"
Reply to @Samantha Dean: I must say it is very refreshing to see a real person whom an article is about actually respond in the comment section.
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/economic-activity-in-province-continues.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/china-quarantine-coronavirus-saint-john-covid-19-1.5505102
Lessons from quarantine: Saint Johner in China says 'there's light at the end of tunnel'
Woman in quarantine for two months says she learned to appreciate the little things
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 22, 2020 8:00 AM AT
Samantha Dean has lived in China for the last three years, and is finally seeing signs of subsiding quarantine rules after two months of strict self-isolation measures. (Submitted by Samantha Dean)
For six weeks, Samantha Dean didn't set foot outside.
She was quarantined alongside her partner in Chongqing, China, a municipality bordering the Hubei province, where the novel coronavirus first started infecting people.
Dean, who was born in New Brunswick, was in her third year living and working in China when strict government measures meant only one person per household could leave, and only to get groceries.
People in masks checked temperatures at shop and apartment building entrances. For two months, Dean said, life was pretty tough.
But the Saint John native said she's seeing the "light at the end of the tunnel" this week. Her favourite restaurant reopened for takeout, and she took her first leisurely walk outside just a few days ago.
As COVID-19 case numbers drop in China, they're rising in many other countries around the world, including Canada. New Brunswick has 17 presumptive and confirmed cases, and the nationwide death toll has reached 13.
Dean made a video to share lessons from quarantine with people back home. In her experience, it got worse, then it got better.
"People are functioning on, like, two extremes," she said in an interview by Skype. "Either they're over–panicking and hoarding supplies or they're not panicking at all and they think it's no big deal."
"You need to find a happy middle."
Panicked questions
Dean said she's been getting questions from family, friends, people she hasn't seen since middle school and complete strangers. Most of them are wondering what's coming for Canada, since China had already gone through the worst of it.
So she made a YouTube video urging people to not take this virus lightly.
"I just felt I should reach out again and give some positivity that things are getting better here," she said. "But also, like, that's up to everybody to get there, right."
She said the biggest lesson she has learned is the importance of social distancing. She said China made quarantine mandatory right away, which is not something Canada would do as easily in a democracy.
"Like everybody says, you flatten the curve, you'll slow the spread. So our hospitals don't get overwhelmed. So medical workers don't end up sick."
"Be mentally prepared for the fact that it's going to get worse. You're going to see reports of, unfortunately, people passing away," she said. "But just remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel."
Quarantine in a gated community
Dean said she lives in a gated community, where a ticket system was used. Everybody was required to stay inside, and the ticket would allow people to leave the compound on certain dates to get groceries.
"Only one person per family could leave on these certain dates to get supplies. But mostly we were encouraged to use delivery systems to order our groceries."
Dean said the first first few weeks were the toughest.
"It did cause a lot of panic attacks. I had a lot of anxiety, a lot of sleepless nights."
Samantha Dean couldn't leave the house for anything but groceries and supplies for two months, so she killed time by painting. (Submitted by Samantha Dean)
She and her partner had to come to an agreement, as a couple, about how seriously they were going to take the outbreak.
It was "exhausting mentally," she said. And she doesn't doubt this is what a lot of people are going through in her hometown now.
But slowly, life during a pandemic came to feel normal. She stopped obsessing over the news of new deaths every day, because that caused her a lot of anxiety.
Being prepared helped.
"Prepare for a month, maybe two weeks to a month of stuff if you can. Freeze some veggies, freeze the meat, like that's enough, but you don't need to buy six packs of toilet paper."
An emotional walk outside
She said quarantine was "totally worth it."
Dean went for a walk without using the ticket system for the first time the other day, she said.
She saw children playing and women dancing in the park.
"It's been great. A bit emotional actually."
Something she didn't think she'd miss so much, is getting a cup of coffee at a cafe. She still can't sit in a dine-in area, but she did grab one to go.
"I learned to appreciate the little things," she said.
About the Author
44 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Jack Straw
What she and other commenters do not realize is that once everyone is back the second wave will come. This is far, far from over. You have jammed subways and stores and now your back to square one. Until mass immunity and unfortunately death this will not be over.
David Amos
Reply to @Jack Straw:
Methinks the fat lady ain't sung about the corresponding stock market
nosedive Folks should buckle up and prepare for a bumpy ride this week
N'esy Pas?
Richard Kingston
Living in a gated community in China. Thats a different view.
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @Richard Kingston: At lest the lady is well-traveled and able to educate a lo of us.
Marguerite
Deschamps
At least the lady is well-traveled and able to educate a lot of us., that is.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks you are being a little redundant N'esy Pas?
Brian Robertson
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps:
You speak as if 'well traveled' is a good thing.
That is an archaic concept in this age of carbon reduction coupled with the fact that just as much can be experienced and learned without the need to wander the world.
You speak as if 'well traveled' is a good thing.
That is an archaic concept in this age of carbon reduction coupled with the fact that just as much can be experienced and learned without the need to wander the world.
David Amos
Reply to @Brian Robertson: Methinks the SANB/liberal dudes never tire of making sick jokes N'esy Pas?
16 hours ago
Michael durant
Probably catching the virus now in NB liquor stores and cannabis shops.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Michael durant: These are necessities of life. Some tend to forget that.
16 hours ago
Michael durant
Probably catching the virus now in NB liquor stores and cannabis shops.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Michael durant: These are necessities of life. Some tend to forget that.
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @Brian Robertson: Good point! How many do is the question?
Marguerite
Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: I hear ya, old hippy!
Reply to @David Amos: I hear ya, old hippy!
Samantha Dean
Reply to @Richard
Kingston: Many communities in China's major cities are gated nowadays.
The level of security is different at each of course.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Methinks an old Hillbilly being called a hippy by a snobby
SANB/liberal dude pretending to be a woman is awful comical N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Samantha Dean: I must say it is very refreshing to see a real person whom an article is about actually respond in the comment section.
David Amos
Reply to @Samantha Dean: BINGO
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: ... if you think so.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks you and I know it to be so N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: You don't even know your "you know what" from your face. Bad example, given that the resemblance is striking.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Please try to make your insults understandable or at the very
least provide a link to your face so folks can compare it to mine.
Methinks everybody would agree that its rather difficult to argue
SANB/liberal nonsense no matter what lingo it is offered in N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: Don't get mad, it's worse.
Reply to @David Amos: Don't get mad, it's worse.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: What are your trying to tell me now? That my arse is better looking than your face?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks its Too Too Funny that CBC has to consider my reply N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
I would still give you a medicare card, if I could. You sure need it!
I would still give you a medicare card, if I could. You sure need it!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: BS
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: Cheer up, be happy! ♫♫♫♫
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzdvQOXxRD4 ♫♫♫♫
Reply to @David Amos: Cheer up, be happy! ♫♫♫♫
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzdvQOXxRD4 ♫♫♫♫
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Did I look unhappy as I ran against Higgy and your SANB buddies? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZqArRNshSM
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks its blatantly obvious who CBC supports N'esy Pas?
Adam B
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks "N'esy Pas" is spelled Nes't-ce Pas, Nest-ce Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: you think they like me?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Methinks everybody know that N'esy Pas? For instance I don't
smoke dope while you brag of doing so. You post a video to a dumb song
teasing me about smoking dope and it goes winging through. I post a
video many politicians making statements during the last provincial
election and it goes "Poof"
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps:Methinks everybody knows why I am shaking my head as I listen to the Minister of Health Patty Hajdu yapping on CBC right now about radical honesty N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
David, if my may borrow your own word: "Cry me a river!"
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: I never accused you of such, by the way nor did I ever state I did either. I was only trying to cheer you up with the song!
Reply to @David Amos: I never accused you of such, by the way nor did I ever state I did either. I was only trying to cheer you up with the song!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Cry me a river then take it up with the RCMP
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: The RCMP are too busy right now to bother them with trivial matters.
Marguerite Deschamps
... as I am sure you must be quite a thorn on their side!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Section 300 is not trivial Methinks the RCMP already know why
I preparing to take them to court and talk about dudes such you N'esy
Pas?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Adam B:
Methinks you dudes should grow up and obey the rules in CBC by getting
real names before you cyberstalk other people N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos:
The Fredericton police tried that trick on your pal Chucky LeBlanc. You
know how all this ended, n'est-ce pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Adam B: Methinks you know why I already blogged your words and my reply in case they go "Poof" as usual N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Nope, don't have a clue.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Methinks everybody knows that Chucky Leblanc is your buddy
not mine and that you know as well as I that I am the one who got him
off the hook N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: of course you did, the second coming of J' J' Robinette.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Methinks anyone can surf the net to see the proof of what i
say and true and also find a lot of your deleted words as well N'esy
Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Howcome you don't have the sand top properly introduce yourself to your fans?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: you can search to your heart's delight!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: I don't have to. Methinks even your buddy Martin must be
clever enough to know that you dudes are the Crown's problem not mine
N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Trust that the RCMP are well aware that I am having an interesting dice within Twitter right now with Chucky Leblanc's old QSLS buddy G$ about missing transcripts and webcasts of a rather important US Senate Banking Committee Hearing Methinks I should mention you as well just to spice things up N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks even you and your buddies must have noticed how fast "Adam B" came and went N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: I see that you talk to yourself!
Reply to @David Amos: I see that you talk to yourself!
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: It was a simple human error but you certainly sit and pay attention every time I make one. Methinks you will never admit to what I am saying about you to the cops and Chucky Leblanc's buddy in Twitter right now Trust that the RCMP know that I also believe G$ was pretending to be Adam B in here earlier N'esy Pas?
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: It was a simple human error but you certainly sit and pay attention every time I make one. Methinks you will never admit to what I am saying about you to the cops and Chucky Leblanc's buddy in Twitter right now Trust that the RCMP know that I also believe G$ was pretending to be Adam B in here earlier N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Content disabled
What a marr oun!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks your buddies are way past too late making things go "Poof" N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks another comment came and went before I could read it N'esy Pas?
BTW "G Money" in Fat Fred City is now playing the same game in Twitter that you are playing in here. Seems that another evil foe wants to pretend that he disagrees with Higgy and thinks I deserve to have a Medicare Card as well Too Too Funny Indeed
Tom Smith
I hope that as the hospitals start to empty over there, they are sterilizing all the ventilators and shipping them to out to other countries around the world to help out with the fallout.
Zapata
Rigoreto
Reply to @Tom Smith:
unlikely as another wave is possible. 80,000 infections as a percentage
of China's population is tiny so nowhere near herd immunity. Until
that point or a vaccine is found no county is truly safe enough to go
back to normal.
David Amos
Reply to @Zapata
Rigoreto: Methinks it will be a long time before things go back to
normal. I truly believe in the end the shutting down of many businesses,
the amazing amount of govenment funds being thrown at this issue and
the nosedive of the stock markets will be the cause of the demise of
many more folks because of starvation, suicide and rioting etc because
of the oncoming depression N'esy Pas?
Jeff Smith
Ironicly one of the safest places now is China. They have immunity and a medical system geared up for this flu.
Roy Nicholl
Reply to @Jeff Smith:
Only in a portion of the country.
Only in a portion of the country.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Roy Nicholl: Nope , ALL ! But you're AN EXPERT ! Right ???????
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks everybody is expert these days excepting me You must admit that
I must know nothing because you think my head is just a bowl of
stuffing N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks your hero Higgy, your pal the SANB/liberal dude Deschamps and her buddy Vicky Baby should explain Federal Court File No. T-1557-15 in Fat Fred City to you and the other Conservative folks real slow sometime N'esy Pas?
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