David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks the folks blessed with common sense should start questioning authority ASAP N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-skys-kind-of-limit-covid-19-ushers.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-airports-flights-industry-covid19-1.5550667
N.B. airports will lose millions this year
Normal traffic won’t be back before 2022, caution some industry experts
· CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2020 2:00 PM AT
Airports across Canada are being cautioned to expect a slow recovery. (Submitted by Peter Sonnenberg)
New Brunswick's three largest airports are counting up their losses for 2020 and bracing for more lean years to follow.
"We've seen a 94 per cent decrease in passenger traffic and a 15 per cent decrease in cargo," said Moncton airport CEO Bernard Leblanc, who now expects revenue for the year to fall from $20 million to $8.5 million.
"There's no Air Canada activity and no Porter activity," said Leblanc, "Sunwing and Air Transat, with their southern destinations, ceased all activities in the mid-March timeframe."
As a result, Moncton took a hit at what should have been its busiest time.
Normally, March and April combined would bring some 140-thousand passengers through the doors — most of them looking for holiday sun.
Instead, Leblanc says the only service is WestJet, which comes five times a week from Toronto.
The only way to reach New Brunswick by Air Canada, is to catch the one daily flight to Fredericton, where airport CEO Johanne Gallant says passenger traffic has fallen by 70 per cent.
Meanwhile, she says she's dealing with high fixed costs, such as runway maintenance, which has to be done to the same standard whether one plane is landing or ten.
In Saint John, those fixed costs are running at least $400,000 per month, even though its arrivals and departures board is empty.
CEO Derrick Stanford says no commercial flights means a projected $1.5 million surplus will probably turn into a $1.5 million deficit.
"Seventy per cent of the airport's revenues come from what's called aeronautical revenues," said Stanford.
The only way to reach New Brunswick by Air Canada is to catch the one daily flight to the Fredericton International Airport. (Fredericton International Airport)
"That's passenger spending, whether it's in the parking lot or the restaurant or the gift store, or what's called passenger facility fees, which are part of every plane ticket that is sold."
"So to have no passengers, pretty much equates to a minimum of at least a 70 per cent drop in revenues."
Radio silence
Charter airline pilot Peter Sonnenberg says it's unnerving to be in the cockpit and not hear pilot chatter."I don't think I've ever flown in this region and heard so little traffic on the radio and I've flown in this region my entire life," said Sonnenberg in a call from Grand Manan.
In more normal times, he says some of the demand to charter his Cessnas and Pipers would come from politicians and business executives who need to get to remote locations and don't have time to spare.
Peter Sonnenberg, senior pilot with Atlantic Charters on Grand Manan, inside the cockpit of a plane with first officer Diana Dragomir, left. (Submitted by Peter Sonnenberg)
He says that's not happening these days. Instead, he says he's only taking off for medical calls, when patients need to get to hospitals on the mainland.
Medavie says New Brunswick patients still need to be transported by air ambulance, although the cancellation of elective procedures has reduced demand.
Still, between March 16 and April 25, there were 25 air transfers.
It's another reason why airports like Saint John have to stay open.
No pillows, no blankets, no snacks, no bar
Audrey Gillespie says travelling by air these days feels different and sad.As an assistant supervisor for house-keeping and sanitization at a gold mine work camp in Nunavut, she's an essential worker.
Every month, she makes the epic journey from Fredericton to Meadowbank, via Montreal, Val d'Or, and Churchill, Man.
"The airports are empty,"she said.
"You get on the plane and nobody sits beside each other. I think there were 11 people on the plane when I flew the last time."
Every month Audrey Gillespie travels from Fredericton to Meadowbank in Nunuvut via Montreal, Val d'Or, and Churchill, Man. for work. (Submitted by Audrey Gillespie)
"The flight attendant doesn't come down the aisle with drinks or snacks or anything."
"And a lot of flights are cancelled. You're at work and your co-worker says 'Is your flight still going?' So you're constantly checking that your flight hasn't been cancelled, too."
"There's a lot to it, and it's very scary and when you get home, everything's closed."
Gillespie says when she gets home to Fredericton, she has to self-isolate, which means no visits to her son across the street, no hugs for her grandson.
"You just have to respect the rules," she said.
She must also take her own mask or cloth face-covering and wear it in the airport and for the duration of her flights.
When will traffic come back?
Airports across Canada are being cautioned to expect a slow recovery."I think most experts think the industry won't get to pre-COVID levels before the end of 2021 so I think we're looking at 2022," said Angela Gittens from her home office in Montreal.
Angela Gittens, director general of Airports Council International, whose Canadian division represents the local airport authorities in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John. (Submitted by Airports Council International)
Gittens is the director general for Airports Council International, whose Canadian division represents the local airport authorities in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John.
"A lot will depend on how long the virus will last, how long the various restrictions will last and then how long, and how deep the recession will be," said Gittens.
"This is one of the reasons that we have asked governments to consider relief for airports, for airlines, and the entire aviation ecosystem."
No plans to close N.B. airports
New Brunswick's three airport authorities did apply to Ottawa for wage subsidies under the COVID–19 response program that ends in June.All three CEOs said they're also looking for ways to defer some capital spending -- some projects can be suspended temporarily or scaled back.
There's no talk of closing any one airport. All three say they can survive until the end of the year.
"The airport does have money in the bank and cash reserves for an emergency," said Saint John's Derrick Stanford.
"We can weather the storm for several months but if we're still having this conversation at Christmas time, I would say we're looking at a dire situation, and we'd need some injection of money to remain viable."
About the Author
21 Comments
David Amos
Methinks Madame Gittens' spokesperson at Airports Council International was not wise to laughed at me today after admitting to knowing who I was N'esy Pas?
"ACI-NA advocates policies and provides services that strengthen the ability of commercial airports to serve their passengers, customers and communities. ACI-NA professional staff in the government affairs, legal, environment, safety, security, operations and technical departments, works to ensure that legislation and regulations enacted in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, help airports operate more safely and efficiently."
David Amos
Methinks the folks blessed with common sense should start questioning authority ASAP N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Trust that I called Angela Gittens, director general of Airports Council International
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: I called Mr Leblanc too
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: the same with Mr Sonnenberg
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: I left a message for Johanne Gallant
Joe Campbell
Reply to @David Amos: Question what?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Last but not least i left a message for Derrick Stanford as well
David Amos
Reply to @Joe Campbell: Ask the people quoted in the article about our converstions
Dee Raines
Reply to @David Amos: exactly. People need to wake up real quick.
Johnny Almar
Everyone is losing money unless they are selling medical equipment, PPE, groceries, or sanitizing products.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Almost True
Wayne Mac Arthur
Not making is not the same as losing.
Jef Cronkhite
Reply to @Wayne Mac
Arthur: THANK YOU!!!! In this day and age, they seem to see losing
PROFITS the same as actually losing money. There's a BIG difference.
David Amos
Reply to @Wayne Mac Arthur: Good point
Terry Tibbs
After reading this story I'm kind of finding it hard to be concerned about hard times felt by places that are the major import areas of covid 19.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: Methinks i should ask whereas you obviously don't believe the
government or the media why buy their BS about a virus N'esy Pas?
https://aci.aero/about-aci/aci-world-staff/
For more information contact:
Rina ArleguiCorporate Secretary
rarlegui@aci.aero
https://aci.aero/about-aci/aci-world-staff/angela-gittens/
Angela Gittens
- Director General
- Angela Gittens
- Office: Montreal
- Tel: +1 514 373 1204
- Email: RArlegui@aci.aero
David Gamper
- Director, Safety, Technical and Legal Affairs
- David Gamper
- Office: Montreal
- Tel: +1 514 373 1216
- Email: dgamper@aci.aero
He is secretary of the ACI World Safety and Technical Standing Committee and represents ACI with ICAO and other international organizations, advocating airport operators’ interests and advancing ACI policy. He has been an observer on ICAO’s Air Navigation Commission since 2011 and a member of the ICAO Aerodromes Panel since its inception in 2004.
Mr Gamper has worked for ACI since 1992, firstly in Geneva and then in Montreal after the World Office was moved in 2011, and holds a degree in Engineering Science from the University of Cambridge, UK.
Patrick Lucas
- Director, Economics
- Patrick Lucas
- Office: Montreal
- Tel: 514 373 1229
- Email: plucas@aci.aero
Prior to joining ACI, Patrick worked for a United Nations statistical office where he contributed to major global reports aimed at analyzing economic and social progress based on internationally comparative data. In this role, he was also responsible for devising indicators to monitor global development targets, survey planning and design, training and methodological standardization across Member States.
With expertise in both applied econometrics and financial economics, Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree from McGill University and a master’s degree in economics from Concordia University.
Philippe Villard
- Head, Policy and Economics
- Philippe Villard
- Office: Montreal
- Tel: 438 387 2127
- Email: PVillard@aci.aero
Prior to joining ACI, Philippe held positions with increasing responsibilities in air transport economic policy development, and airport user charges and aeronautical revenues at ICAO and IATA. He holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Paris Institute of Political Studies, France, and a PhD in Political Science from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.
Michael Rossell
- Deputy Director General, External Affairs
- Michael Rossell
- Office: Montreal
- Tel: +1 514 373 1241
- Email: mrossell@aci.aero
From 2006 to 2012, he was the United Kingdom Permanent Representative on the ICAO Council and in 2011/12 was elected as First Vice President of the Council. He has extensive experience of international civil aviation regulation and policy making, in particular where these regulations and policies have a direct impact on the safe, secure and sustainable development of international air transport.
Previously, Michael was the UK Transport Attaché to the European Union (2003 to 2006) where he chaired the transport working groups during the UK Presidency of the EU. He brokered European agreements on the legislative framework for Community action to improve air safety and on new rights for passengers with reduced mobility travelling by air. He has also represented the UK in taking forward policy on other aviation issues including market liberalisation, slots, insurance, security, safety and on environmental protection.
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks Nat Richard of Downeast Cape Bald Packers in Cap-Pelé takes my advice I suspect Higgy will flip flop in a heartbeat just like he has done in the past N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-skys-kind-of-limit-covid-19-ushers.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-roundup-coronavirus-1.5550420
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Thursday marks Day 12 without any new cases
Dr. Jennifer Russell said New Brunswickers need to adapt to a different kind of normal
· CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2020 12:23 PM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, said there will be more cases of COVID-19 in the future. (Government of New Brunswick/Submitted)
New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health has confirmed no new cases of COVID-19 in the province for the 12th straight day.
Only four people are living with the illness out of the 118 confirmed cases the province has recorded.
There is no one in hospital.
"Life will return to a different version of normal and we will learn to live with the virus," Dr. Jennifer Russell said during Thursday's news conference in Fredericton.
But Russell made it clear there will be more cases in the future and New Brunswickers will need to adapt to a different kind of normal that will include physical distancing and wearing face masks.
Province extends state of emergency
Premier Blaine Higgs has extended New Brunswick's emergency measures for another two weeks, with some revisions.All licences, registrations, certificates and permits issued under provincial laws that were valid as of March 16 have been extended to June 30. Many renewals can be done online.
A new paragraph has been added to authorize municipal councils and council committees to hold more meetings electronically. New Brunswick's Local Governance Act typically limits councillors' participation electronically rather than in person.
New Brunswick has been under a state of emergency since the end of March.
Here's a roundup of other developments.
Province announces virtual job-matching
The province plans to launch a virtual job-matching platform Monday that will connect New Brunswickers with positions that have previously been filled by temporary foreign workers.With 70,000 unemployed New Brunswickers and students in the province, Premier Blaine Higgs has said t should be possible to fill the approximately 600 farm and fish plant vacancies in agriculture and fish processing.
Ban on temporary foreign workers upsets seafood industry
Premier Blaine Higgs said he does not plan to reverse the province's decision to ban foreign workers."Our pandemic is not over," he said during Thursday's news conference. "We may think we're in the clear but we're not in the clear."
Seafood processors have joined food and trucking industries, calling on the provincial government to reverse its decision to ban temporary foreign workers.
Premier Blaine Higgs announced the ban earlier this week but several groups and organizations hope to change his mind or secure exemptions.
"Two weeks ago, we described the situation in the seafood industry as a perfect storm," said Nat Richard, manager of corporate affairs for Downeast Cape Bald Packers in Cap-Pelé.
"That was before this decision."
Richard learned about the decision Monday night and said he was stunned.
He already had a chartered plane en route to Mexico to pick up the temporary foreign workers for his plant and bring them to Canada.
New Brunswick hasn't had any new cases of COVID-19 for 12 days. (CBC News)
"We had a number of Mexican workers that were supposed to come to New Brunswick … they'll be quarantined in Nova Scotia and redeployed to some of our sister plants in Nova Scotia."
Richard said the decision could have serious consequences for the seafood industry.
New Brunswick's seafood industry is calling on the province to reverse its decision to ban temporary foreign workers because of COVID-19. (CBC)
He agrees health and safety are paramount, but that New Brunswick shouldn't act unilaterally.
He said he has spared no expense in ensuring his plant is outfitted with Plexiglas barriers between workers. He also had masks and protective shields available for employees to use.
Since other provinces are still allowed to bring in temporary foreign workers, Richard is worried New Brunswick's decision could put his seafood plant at a competitive disadvantage.
He's hopeful the province will re-examine its decision.
"I really do think there is a way here for us to do this without making any compromises on ensuring the health and safety of our workers, co–workers and of the communities where we do business," he said.
Students in Anglophone South need to clean out desks, lockers
Students in the Anglophone School District South will be able to retrieve items from their desks and lockers as early as next week, Superintendent Zoe Watson said in an email to families.Principals and staff are developing a process and time frame that will allow students and parents to retrieve items. The information will will be shared online.
Parents who have children attending Kindergarten to Grade 5 and Kindergarten to Grade 8 schools, along with some middle schools, are asked to pick up the items in the coming weeks. Some schools may package up the items in a bag and label for quick pick-up.
High school students are asked to clean out their own lockers.
Meanwhile, students who regularly use assistive technology as part of their educational program will be able to have the devices picked up for home use. Watson said the items have been thoroughly cleaned. Band instruments will also be available to be picked up.
Families cannot return any textbooks or other materials to the school at this time.
Premier Blaine Higgs said he doesn't plan to reverse his decision on banning foreign temporary workers from coming into the province. (Government of New Brunswick/Submitted)
If a school is not packing up materials, parents and students are reminded to bring their own bags.
"Principals will let you know which entrance(s) will be used and you will be met by a staff member," Watson said in the letter.
"Each person will be asked to review the questions on the poster from Public Health displayed in the window. On entry to the school you will be asked to wash your hands using designated washrooms. It is recommended that you wash your hands again after leaving the school."
Watson said masks are not required while entering the schools, but are recommended.
"It is critical that everyone respect the safety guidelines of Public Health so we can ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and families," she said.
Groups in Fredericton encourage residents to buy local
The City of Fredericton, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Fredericton Inc., Business Fredericton North, and Ignite Fredericton have launched a partnership to encourage residents to buy from local businesses.The partnership includes a website, #SupportFredLocal, which directs residents to businesses that are open or offering alternative forms of purchase like online shopping, take-out and delivery during COVID-19 pandemic.
The website includes a listing of more than 200 Fredericton businesses that are open and trying to find different ways to conduct business.
"As we work with downtown businesses to spread the word that many are operational, and with the expectation that even more will be opening their doors in the coming weeks, partnering with the City and other agencies only makes sense," said Bruce McCormack, general manager of Downtown Fredericton Inc.
"Together we have a common goal to support businesses as well as our residents through this unprecedented time."
Moncton warns residents to continue physical distancing on trails
The City of Moncton is reminding its residents to practise physical distancing when using trails to exercise.Jocelyn Cohoon, director of leisure service in Moncton, said the city is urging trail users to avoid missteps.
"We're really looking for people's co–operation because we don't want to have to close the trails due overcrowding or due to situations that make people uncomfortable," Cohoon said.
There have been few complaints of pedestrians, runners and bikers misusing the trails, Cohoon said, but the city is worried that could change as the weather warms up.
"We think as things dry up, that will encourage people spreading out a bit more too."
The city recommends people use more remote parks in Centennial Park, Irishtown and Mapleton to avoid overcrowding.
Cohoon said those passing others on trails should give a voice cue. Trail users should stick to the right and pass on the left as well, she said.
Families walking in a group should walk single file when someone on the trail is trying to pass them.
The Town of Riverview also has staff monitoring trails. To date they have reported very few violations.
Both Riverview and Dieppe placed signage on all of its trails to remind users of the physical distancing guidelines.
Miramichi cancels popular folk festival
The Miramichi Folksong Festival will celebrate its 63rd anniversary online this summer, organizers announced earlier this week.The festival was originally scheduled to run from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7 onstage.
Susan Butler, the festival's organizer, considered cancelling altogether after she heard gatherings were banned until the end of the year.
The decision was made after a colleague suggesting a virtual festival instead.
"This is just a preview for next year … this will be more of an invite to come to the 64th Miramichi Folksong Festival and here's a little bit of what you're going to hear," Butler said.
Many of the musicians scheduled to perform this year will instead send a video of themselves playing an instrument or singing. The performers have already agreed to play live at the 64th Folksong Festival.
Music videos will be released on the festival's Facebook page on New Brunswick Day.
What to do if you have symptoms
People concerned they might have COVID-19 can take a self-assessment on the government website. Symptoms include fever, a new or worsening cough, breathlessness, sore throat, headache and runny nose.More symptoms were added to the list this week, including: a new onset of fatigue, a new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea, and loss of sense of taste or loss of sense of smell. In children, purple markings on the fingers or toes are also a symptom.
If you have two of these symptoms, you should:
- Stay at home.
- Call Tele-Care 811 or your doctor
- Describe your symptoms and travel history.
- Follow instructions.
About the Author
With files from Sarah Morin
67 Comments
David Amos
Methinks Higgy et al probably already know that I enjoyed my conversation Nat Richard (I truly hope his Grandfather calls me sometime soon) If Mr Richard takes my advice I suspect Higgy will flip flop in a heartbeat N'esy Pas?
"Two weeks ago, we described the situation in the seafood industry as a perfect storm," said Nat Richard, manager of corporate affairs for Downeast Cape Bald Packers in Cap-Pelé.
"That was before this decision."
Richard learned about the decision Monday night and said he was stunned.
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Deja Vu Anyone?
130 new families create population boom in Cap-Pelé
'It was fantastic, it was a dream come true,' Jerome Barnido says on reuniting with wife and 4 children
Tori Weldon · CBC News · Posted: Jul 10, 2019
"Cape Bald Packers uses the the provincial nominee program, and the newer Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program to fill job vacancies that have become synonymous with the industry. The federal pilot program identifies employers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador who need skilled workers and reduces permanent residence application times to less than six months.
Cape Bald Packers and other fish processing plants in the village are taking advantage of the programs to deal with labour shortages.
"It's become a necessity. We need to have some stability in our workforce," said Cape Bald's Joanne Losier, manager of corporate affairs and human resources.
Joanne Losier, manager of corporate affairs and human resources at Cape Bald Packers, said the temporary foreign worker program helps bring stability to the workforce. (Michèle Brideau/Radio-Canada)
Temporary foreign worker programs have helped keep the doors open, but Losier said program changes can make it difficult to navigate.
Cape Bald is sponsoring 37 workers in total, and about 20 have already received permanent residency. Losier called it a win-win situation: it's good for families, and it's good for business.
"We took advantage of those programs and started selecting candidates who were able workers, who were willing to learn, who were willing to stay in the area."
This is a major factor for the company, she said, "because it's a lot of work, a lot of investment for any company to do this."
John Smith
From CBC New Brunswick yesterday:
Company owner Rodolphe LeBreton told CBC News the wage increase was a bonus to attract workers during the pandemic and wasn't done to make up for the loss of foreign workers.
He said his plant has never hired foreign workers and they're not necessary. "We have enough people in Canada who aren't working," he said. "The day I have to bring foreign workers into my plant is the day I close it."
David Amos
Reply to @John Smith: From CBC New Brunswick the day before yesterday:
Agricultural and seafood companies persuaded the federal government to exempt temporary foreign workers from the closure of the Canadian border last month.
Higgs said he told Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland of the decision Monday night and asked for "flexibility" to allow the shifting of foreign workers already here as needed.
"I won't apologize for protecting New Brunswickers," he said.
Asked if the three opposition party leaders on his all-party COVID-19 cabinet committee had endorsed the decision, Higgs said they had agreed on "a path forward" that included fewer foreign workers.
Green MLA Kevin Arseneau doesn't think it was 'a responsible decision' to ban temporary foreign workers. (Radio-Canada)
Green Party MLA Kevin Arseneau denounced the decision, saying the province could have helped foreign workers self-quarantine by providing hotel rooms rather than leave farmers in the lurch.
"I don't think this is in any way a responsible decision," he said.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, would not answer directly when asked if she had advised Higgs to ban any more foreign workers.
"This is a government decision, but in terms of highlighting risks, our borders right now are a risk."
Agricultural and seafood companies persuaded the federal government to exempt temporary foreign workers from the closure of the Canadian border last month.
Higgs said he told Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland of the decision Monday night and asked for "flexibility" to allow the shifting of foreign workers already here as needed.
"I won't apologize for protecting New Brunswickers," he said.
Asked if the three opposition party leaders on his all-party COVID-19 cabinet committee had endorsed the decision, Higgs said they had agreed on "a path forward" that included fewer foreign workers.
Green MLA Kevin Arseneau doesn't think it was 'a responsible decision' to ban temporary foreign workers. (Radio-Canada)
Green Party MLA Kevin Arseneau denounced the decision, saying the province could have helped foreign workers self-quarantine by providing hotel rooms rather than leave farmers in the lurch.
"I don't think this is in any way a responsible decision," he said.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, would not answer directly when asked if she had advised Higgs to ban any more foreign workers.
"This is a government decision, but in terms of highlighting risks, our borders right now are a risk."
val harris
Reply to @John Smith:
Hey your back John that’s great, after some research today this hero in
caraquet has given his employees a raise because of the federal
government so should he give it back and yes he has employed foreign
workers in the past..
David Amos
Reply to @John Smith: From CBC New Brunswick this evening
"Cracks in political unity appear, but Higgs holds firm on temporary foreign worker
Opposition MLAs say rushed decision shows need for the legislature to sit, debate COVID-19 response"
"Cracks in political unity appear, but Higgs holds firm on temporary foreign worker
Opposition MLAs say rushed decision shows need for the legislature to sit, debate COVID-19 response"
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks that maybe Dr. Chris Goodyear can ask Higgy et al if they can send my virtual Medicare Card to my doctors since there is still a "Stay"on my real one N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-skys-kind-of-limit-covid-19-ushers.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-doctor-virtual-appointment-phone-video-new-brunswick-1.5547170
'The sky's kind of the limit': COVID-19 ushers in new era of e-health, says Higgs
Premier hopes virtual doctor appointments will continue after pandemic, be expanded upon
· CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2020 10:45 AM AT
Saint John family doctor Mike Simon said virtual visits will never replace office visits, but they're another tool to deliver health care to patients who can't make it into their doctor's office and patients are grateful. (CBC)
Saint John family doctor Mike Simon's waiting room is only half as full as it was prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, but he's no less busy.
He now has virtual appointments with the other patients.
"We're sort of separating patients into those who I have to see [in person] and examine, versus those that I can talk to on the phone about test results, or reordering medications, or counselling," said Simon.
"It's allowing us to keep the social distancing rules in place and it's allowing us to keep medical care ongoing without compromising patients' health.
"It's great."
84% of all GP appointments virtual
Last month the provincial government authorized physicians to see patients virtually for routine services, such as prescription renewals and followup health advice, to minimize in-person contact and help curb the spread of COVID-19.The appointments can take place over the phone or through a secure video-chat software.
According to the Department of Health, 84 per cent of all family doctor appointments across the province have been handled virtually since then.
I think that … the future is e-health and it is extremely important for us to be able to meet the demands that are facing our province.- Blaine Higgs, premier
Premier Blaine Higgs believes COVID-19 has ushered in a new era of e-health that is here to stay.
"Not only that, I hope that we'll be able to continue what we've learned here and expand upon it," he said. "It would be a shame for us to move back from what we have experienced during this, the innovation we've seen."
"I think that, you know, the future is e-health and it is extremely important for us to be able to meet the demands that are facing our province."
Could help with doctor shortage
Higgs believes virtual appointments, for example, will continue after the pandemic is over and could help ease the province's doctor shortage.Virtual appointments tend to take less time, he said, and would enable doctors to see more patients.
"We should be able to utilize technology to absolutely manage our number of doctors required," said Higgs.
Virtual visits could also work for non-critical patients in busy or understaffed emergency departments, or for those who live in remote areas and need to see a specialist, he said.
Premier Blaine Higgs said he'd like to see patients have access to any test results as soon as they're available, rather than having to wait to get them from their doctor. (CBC)
As of the end of February, 39,677 New Brunswickers were registered with Patient Connect NB as needing a family doctor, according to the Department of Health.
Fredericton has the most registrants at 7,199, followed by Moncton at 5,967 and Saint John at 5,690.
But not everyone on the list is an orphaned patient, said department spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane.
Up to 20 per cent have a primary health-care provider but want to change, he said.
eConsult avoids unnecessary referrals
The eConsult program, which enables family doctors to consult electronically with specialists, is also proving promising, said Health Minister Hugh Flemming.The program, introduced in 2018 and expanded in the past month, shows about 40 per cent of cases can be dealt with without the patient being sent to the specialist, he said.
"Unnecessary referrals were avoided by using eConsult, and this has been seen to improve population health, it reduces the per capita spending, it provides better and quicker service, it's higher level of patient and provider satisfaction. So it's a very good program."
Four new specialties — cardiology, hematology, medical oncology and internal medicine — have been added to the program, bringing the total to 15.
Patient access to medical file
The premier also envisions expanding the e-health records system to give patients access to their own medical file so they can "be more in tune with their particular situation" and get any test results as soon as they're available instead of waiting days or weeks to hear them from their doctor."The sky's kind of the limit," Higgs said.
Last week the province launched a new web portal — myhealth.gnb.ca — where people tested for COVID-19 on or after April 20 can securely access their results online as soon as they are available instead of waiting for a phone call from Public Health.
They will still receive a call from Public Health, but the site will enable them to get their results faster, as soon as the tests have been processed, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
As of Wednesday, New Brunswick hasn't had any new cases of COVID-19 for 11 days. (CBC News)
New Brunswick marked its 11th straight day with no new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Of the province's 118 total cases to date, only four remain active, one of whom is in hospital, chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell announced. That's a 97 per cent recovery rate.
But Russell expects a second wave of the virus related to travel or even community transmission.
'Walls have really come down'
Higgs said a lot has been accomplished in the past month, with the Department of Health, the two regional health authorities, doctors and other stakeholders all working together to combat COVID-19."The walls have really come down … between our different health organizations."
He cites as an example being able to quickly find nursing home placements for 180 seniors who had been awaiting placement in hospital — so-called alternate level of care, or ALC, patients, resolving a long-standing problem to make way for an anticipated influx of COVID-19 patients.
"So we're looking at how do we ramp that up, but not in a way that was done in the past.
"How do we change our ability to have a better experience for patients coming to receive health care, both for their knowledge level and for their actual ability to get in and out, you know, in a reasonable period of time?"
Doctors 'very ready' to use technology
Based on his discussions with doctors, Higgs said they're "very ready" to use technology."They want to be part of a changing environment because they recognize how critical it is to the success of future health care in our province."
Dr. Chris Goodyear, president of the New Brunswick Medical Society, said the feedback from physicians about virtual appointments has been positive so far.
"It seems like most are happy with being able to provide some of the care for their patients virtually," he said.
"It's certainly not going to supplant an office visit" because some patients will still require a physical exam, such as a patient with a breast lump.
"But as most physicians become more comfortable with it, it's certainly going to be part of their toolkit going forward in terms of patient care."
Dr. Chris Goodyear, president of the New Brunswick Medical Society and a general surgeon, said virtual appointments are still in their early stages, but both physicians and patients are satisfied overall and he expects that will only improve. (New Brunswick Medical Society/Twitter)
Virtual care offers several advantages for patients as well, said Goodyear.
It can spare those with mobility problems from having to travel to their doctor's office, he said.
When a winter storm forces an office to shut down, patients could still be seen virtually.
It also enables doctors to work outside normal office hours and schedule appointments at times that are most convenient for both them and their patient, said Goodyear.
So if, for example, a patient needed to have their blood pressure medication reviewed, instead of having to take a half day off of work to go to their doctor's office, they might be able to schedule an evening virtual visit, he said.
"I don't think we've touched on all the opportunities that virtual care can present going forward. And as we get more comfortable with this and as more technology comes into play, it's only going to improve what we can do for patients."
Not much video yet
Goodyear, who is a general surgeon at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, has used virtual appointments to follow up on some of his patients after surgery.He has also used virtual appointments to see some new referrals, such as patients with gallbladder disease, going over their medical history, any lab work and diagnostic imaging.
"So I have that in front of me and I'm able to discuss everything with the patient."
He has used both the telephone and video platforms, but believes the majority of virtual care being offered by doctors right now is only over the phone.
"A lot of patients don't necessarily have access to the internet, and they may just be more comfortable with a phone call," he said.
Not all physicians are comfortable with the video option yet either, Goodyear said.
"As it continues on, certainly we may see a shift from mostly phone models to more video models."
Nervous about hacking
Simon has only used the telephone for his virtual appointments with his Saint John-area patients."I'm a little nervous personally about online security and any kind of hacking that could happen," he said, noting he still uses a lot of hard copy documents.
He also finds it easier for both him and his patients to just pick up the phone than to launch a video platform on a computer.
"It seems to be quite successful for me," said Simon. "I'm delivering what I consider good care through the phone. So I haven't felt a need to change."
Health Minister Hugh Flemming said health care is constantly innovating and improving and e-health will be the same. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
The security of the video platforms being used by doctors and "privacy stuff certainly have to be looked at," said the health minister.
"That's an evolving situation. And again, a legitimate question, but we're early in the process," said Flemming. "It was done to deal with COVID."
"Limited discussions" had been underway between the province and the medical society about virtual appointments, but "the wheels of government move slowly at times."
There were details to work out, such as remuneration and documentation, he said.
"But once you get something like COVID you just say, 'Look, let's do it because we need to preserve the social distancing, we need to tackle a pandemic, and we'll maybe work out some of the normal details after the fact instead of before.'"
Although the virtual appointments were brought in "hastily because of the pandemic," Flemming said the province will work with other stakeholders to see what other e-health opportunities exist, given the "power of technology."
"I mean, everybody has a cellphone, which is much more than a phone now, it's a pocket computer," he said.
And "health care is constantly innovating, it's constantly improving, it's constantly looking at best practices.
"So, my goodness, why wouldn't we?
62 Comments
David Amos
Methinks Higgy et al should start reading my emails before I sue the Crown in order to get my Medicare Card and reimbursed for the money I spent on emergency room bills and doctor fess since the last election My concerns can be verified online N'esy Pas?
David Amos
"Dr. Chris Goodyear, president of the New Brunswick Medical Society, said the feedback from physicians about virtual appointments has been positive so far."
Methinks that maybe Dr. Chris Goodyear can ask Higgy et al if they can send my virtual Medicare Card to my doctors since there is still a "Stay"on my real one N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks Chantal
LeBouthi posted something important this morning about Dr Russell
proving to us who her puppet-master truly is so obviously I decided I
should quote her ASAP when folks ignored her statement N'esy Pas?
Chantal LeBouthi 4 hours ago
"Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, would not answer directly when asked if she had advised Higgs to ban any more foreign workers.
"This is a government decision
Higgs decision?
Chantal LeBouthi 4 hours ago
"Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, would not answer directly when asked if she had advised Higgs to ban any more foreign workers.
"This is a government decision
Higgs decision?
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks the whole world has gone crazy with fear but some people are making a profit from it N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-skys-kind-of-limit-covid-19-ushers.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/the-acrylic-answer-businesses-reopen-with-plexiglass-1.5549622
The acrylic answer: Businesses prepare to reopen with help from a maze of plastic
Different businesses are tackling the physical distancing problem with Plexiglas
· CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2020 5:00 AM AT
The co-owners of Vibrant Salon and Spa showcase how acrylic barriers will be used at one of their styling stations once the business reopens in the weeks ahead. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
If you walked into the Vibrant Salon and Spa two months ago, you'd be greeted by one of more than 20 staff members who would escort you to your styling chair past multiple customers getting haircuts, shampoos, manicures and pedicures.
But those days are gone.
The owners celebrated the one-year anniversary of opening their Fredericton business last month with their doors locked amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
And when they do reopen, it won't be business as usual.
That's evident by the mazes of Plexiglas now mixed in with the salon's clean esthetic design.
"We've put a bunch of Plexiglas barriers up throughout the salon and spa," said Kristen Clark, co-owner of Vibrant Salon and Spa.
Plexiglas barriers have been installed at all manicure stations at Vibrant Salon and Spa in Fredericton to maintain physical distancing once the business is allowed to reopen. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
Multiple clear acrylic dividers hang from the ceiling, providing a near-invisible boundary between styling stations.
At the manicure tables, similar barriers stand tall with small openings near their base where clients can slip their hands through to have their nails done.
And at the front desk, another shield nearly reaches the ceiling ensuring that nobody will be "speaking moistly" on staff or customers.
The acrylic material is now nearly standard at every convenience store or retail business still open.
Kristen Clark, co-owner of Vibrant Salon and Spa, said she's confident the extra measures she's had installed in the salon will allow her to reopen once the province gives the green light. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
And for Clark, it's the first line of defence against the coronavirus when the shop gets the green light to reopen.
"We've also brought in a lot of hand sanitizer," said Clark. "We have gallons of it stored."
Clark hopes the upgrades will meet the regulations when the provincial government gives the go-ahead for barbershops and salons to reopen.
This is how some Fredericton businesses will look after Plexiglas is added to keep clients and workers safe during pandemic. 2:58
Premier Blaine Higgs stated earlier this month that while he expects business will start to open their doors again, they will only be permitted to do so as long as they maintain strict physical-distancing measures.
The Vibrant Salon and Spa in Fredericton is relying on multiple installations of Plexiglas to ensure physical distancing when the reopen in the weeks ahead. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
Clark said there haven't been any specific regulations handed down from the government yet to base her retrofit on, so this is her best guess. Masks, gloves and common sense will make up the rest of her game plan for serving clients again.
"We're extremely confident that this should work," said Clark.
Plexiglas pivot
Clark said she owes part of her confidence to another local company.Stortec in Hanwell normally designs and builds store interiors for convenience stores and retail shops across the Maritimes.
But when the pandemic hit, the business hit a wall.
Although difficult to see, barriers hang from the ceiling at Vibrant Salon and Spa in order to safely separate staff and clients. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
"A lot of our projects came up to a dead stop," said Ed Cochrane, the owner of Stortec.
But then, Cochrane said, NB Liquor contracted his company to install acrylic barriers at their stores across the province.
Then everybody wanted them.
"Probably close to 300 or 400 units have gone all over," said Cochrane, who has taken to calling them either COVID guards or sneeze guards.
Ed Cochrane, the owner of Stortec, says his company has installed acrylic barriers at hundreds of business since the pandemic hit New Brunswick. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
In the last few weeks, Stortec has installed the barriers in pharmacies, convenience stores and retail businesses.
Clark's business was the first salon, but Cochrane expects it won't be the last.
As more stores and services get ready to reopen, demand for the acrylic sheets is increasing, but he said he and his team take their skills to heart.
"You hang a piece of Plexiglas up and [there's] a lady behind the counter who is working hard, you know, doing her best to keep her family fed," said Cochrane. "But she's afraid. Scared to death. And at the end, when they go like this and say, 'Oh, thank you,' it made me feel so good."
Stortec employee Dan Kowalski moves a sheet of the acrylic material his company has been building 'COVID guards' with at the business headquarters in Hanwell. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
While Stortec's market normally spans the Atlantic provinces, the company has been hampered by provincial border closures.
Instead, it has been working to build COVID guard kits it can ship out and store owners can install themselves. Cochrane said one client in Cape Breton recently installed a number of the barriers without needing a crew from Stortec to help.
"They have five pharmacies," Cochrane said. "We sent them 37 different pieces of acrylic to provide safety at the front cash, at the dispensary, at the consultation, and if there happens to be a medical clinic attached there will be something there as well.
"The guy sent us back a bunch of photographs and said, 'This is fantastic, every piece fit.'"
Cochrane said the guards only account a small fraction of the money his company would normally be making, but he said the Stortec feels an obligation to help.
"It's a good time for us all to be kind and thoughtful of the people around us," he said. "And help make their life better is some little way."
Stortec owner Ed Cochrane says his business receives heartfelt thanks from cashiers and workers each time they install a barrier. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
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8 Comments
David Amos
Methinks the whole world has gone crazy with fear but some people are making a profit from it N'esy Pas?
