https://twitter.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxF6yp_jUVM
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/political-panel-pandemic-response-1.5820310
The nine-month mark: How successful has N.B.'s COVID-19 messaging been so far?
Political panel dives in on what's working, and what isn't
CBC News · Posted: Nov 28, 2020 8:00 AM AT
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard says the province has done a good job of keeping its messaging consistent during the pandemic but acknowledges there are challenges. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick has had almost nine months of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, and experts agree there are many months more of this marathon to run before we're anywhere near a finish line.
But it's been enough time to have seen our case numbers rise in a second wave, witnessed the bursting of the Atlantic bubble and to have learned a few things about what is — and what isn't — working.
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard, Liberal Opposition Leader Roger Melanson, Green Party Leader David Coon and People's Alliance Party Leader Lake Kris Austin joined CBC's Political Panel podcast to share their thoughts on the government's handling of this unprecedented health event so far.
The clarity, transparency and consistency of the government's messaging, a lightning rod for criticism from the start of the pandemic, came under special scrutiny.
Shephard acknowledged there have been hiccups, something she sees as inevitable in a rapidly evolving outbreak situation.
"I think that we have managed very well to date to keep our messages consistent," Shephard said.
Opposition Liberal leader Roger Melanson says New Brunswickers have a right to know if there's a confirmed COVID-19 case in their community. (CBC News)
She cited widespread embracing of early Public Health messaging on physical distancing, keeping contacts limited and frequent handwashing.
"Those have been the rallying cry from day one, and I believe the public really absorbed it and for most part are doing exactly that."
But as situations evolve, she said, "things can happen very quickly, change happens very quickly, and that's always where the community may get confused in keeping up with it. Not everybody checks the government website multiple times a day."
As well, she said, even the most carefully thought-out messages can be received differently by different people.
"Many things are open to interpretation," she said, "and I think there are many times that messages get shortsighted."
But Melanson, Coon and Austin all said they think there is room for improvement in clarifying the government's messaging and in being more transparent.
People’s Alliance Leader Kris Austin says notices about cases in zones are not specific enough. 'Hearing there's a case in Zone 3 doesn't tell me anything.' (CBC News)
Detailing cases by zones 'doesn't tell me anything'
Daily updates about cases in zones are a prime example, Austin said.
"If I hear there are four new cases in the Fredericton region, that doesn't tell me anything," he said. "That could be in Woodstock, it could be Grand Lake, Fredericton, Plaster Rock or anywhere in between. It doesn't change behaviours because it's too broad."
Austin said it would be better to keep it as specific as possible, being mindful of confidentiality.
"Tell people, Grand Lake has three cases … so people can say 'Well, normally I go to the grocery store three times a week, now I may minimize my exposure, go once a week."
Melanson agreed, saying people "have a right to know" if there's a case in their community. And in fact, he said, they probably already do know.
"New Brunswick is small, people know each other," he said. "They'll react in the way that they're supposed to react, which will be to be to take even more precautions."
Green Party Leader David Coon dismissed the often-repeated Public Health message — "Act as if everyone around you has COVID-19" — as unhelpful, and even cruel. (Logan Perley/CBC file)
Always be on guard, Shephard says
Shephard disagreed, saying she understands the need for more segregated numbers but that "everyone in our province has to act as if COVID is their next door neighbour, as if COVID is in their grocery store, in Walmart, at Costco. ... I fully believe our best protection is to always be on our guard."
But Coon dismissed this often-repeated Public Health message — "act as if everyone around you has COVID-19" — as unhelpful and even harmful.
"It's impossible for human beings to live 24 hours a day, seven days a week in fight-or-flight response mode with the idea that coronavirus is all around us," he said. "That is just mentally cruel. People can't live that way."
Mental health will become a massive issue this winter. I'm concerned we're leaving people behind, and that needs to be addressed.- David Coon, Green Party leader
Coon thinks the government needs to ensure people are "very clear on what the rules are," and this starts with giving them more information, not less.
He pointed to more open messaging in other provinces, where medical officers of health have used super spreader events as "a teachable moment to show what can happen" when rules are bent or broken.
"We had a super-spreader event in Saint John, but we've heard nothing about that, we've heard nothing about how we can avoid that in the future," he said. "Those opportunities are constantly missed."
Acknowledging the mental health toll
Panellists did acknowledge the enormity of the pressures of coping with the pandemic and said many of its lessons would become more clear in time.
For now, they said, it's important to acknowledge the strain on the mental health of residents heading into a difficult winter, and the tremendous efforts of Public Health and health-care workers across the province.
"People are increasingly emotionally tired and mentally spent," Coon said. "Mental health will become a massive issue this winter. I'm concerned we're leaving people behind, and that needs to be addressed."
Shephard expanded that concern to the chief medical officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, and to health-care workers, saying she worries about all of them and "tries to support them, every single day."
"We have to keep in mind that for all of them, this is a stressful time," Shephard said. "They're all giving a tremendous amount of themselves to their work every day. And we have to never forget that what they're doing is invaluable."
Methinks Higgy has yet to secure his new mandate so he and his Ministers must patronize the opposition until the vote on the Throne Speech is history whenever that may be No doubt once Higgy wins the mandate then worm will turn on the other dudes N'esy Pas?
Bill would give police, government sweeping power over citizens
Bill would give police authority to stop and investigate someone without reason
Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 11, 2020 2:05 PM AT
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you must eat too many of your own butter tarts before you deliver them to your buddies Hamish and Cardy N'esy Pas?
Nope
Methinks Higgy just ignores the rules tis all and no MLA bothers to point out that simple fact because they all want to stay on the gravy train N'esy Pas?
Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart explains - Declaration implementing the Emergency Measures Act
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNbfCbts-kA
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/four-new-cases-covid-19-new-brunswick-1.5820677
New Brunswick reports 4 new cases of COVID-19, all in Fredericton region
About 2,000 people self-isolating across province this weekend
· CBC News · Posted: Nov 28, 2020 12:53 PM AT
New Brunswick reported four new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
Latest
- Four new cases reported on Saturday
- Nine cases in Saint John retirement complex
- What to do if you have a symptom
The province announced four new cases of COVID-19 Saturday.
There are now 111 active cases in New Brunswick.
Seven more recoveries were reported. No one is in hospital related to the virus.
The entire south of the province remains in the orange phase after Fredericton joined the Moncton and Saint John regions this week.
There are about 2,000 people self-isolating across New Brunswick.
The new cases are in the Fredericton region (Zone 3) and include a person under 18 and three people 20-29.
Those infected are isolating and the cases remain under investigation, according to Public Health.
The new cases continue a trend of New Brunswickers under the age of 30 contracting the virus, which make up more than half of active cases.
Until recently, this age group only accounted for about 29 per cent of cases.
Schools in the orange regions have also reported cases over the past week, although student-to-student spread of COVID-19 has not been identified.
New Brunswick has confirmed 481 cases since the start of the pandemic in March. Seven people have died and 363 have recovered.
The province conducted 1,399 tests on Friday for a total of 122,941.
Nine cases in Saint John retirement complex
There are nine cases of COVID-19 at the Shannex Parkland complex in Saint John.
Public Health declared an outbreak on Nov. 20 at Tucker Hall, a nursing home, after an employee tested positive.
The complex now has nine total cases: two employees and six residents at Tucker Hall, and one employee at Carleton Hall, a retirement-living building.
Shannex said retesting of all employees and residents occurred on Friday, and results are expected on Saturday. An update is expected this afternoon.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test online.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included:
-
A fever above 38 C.
-
A new cough or worsening chronic cough.
-
Sore throat.
-
Runny nose.
-
Headache.
-
New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell.
-
Difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
Methinks you its time for you back away from the butter tarts and ask your parents to tuck you in for the the night N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-vaccines-rollout-timeline-1.5819725
Adamson BBQ
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-orange-phase-pandemic-coronavirus-1.5818853
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 12 new cases Friday, yellow Christmas possible for Fredericton
Fredericton region could be back to yellow phase by Christmas if people follow the rules, Russell says
· CBC News · Posted: Nov 27, 2020 2:37 PM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, announced the Fredericton region will be returning to the orange phase by midnight Thursday. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
Latest
- 12 new cases reported on Friday
- Potential public exposure warnings for five flights
- New cases reported at Shannex
- Residents encouraged to shop local this holiday season
- Guidelines still unclear for residents working outside the province
- 105 active cases in the province
- What to do if you have a symptom
Public Health reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 in the province on Friday.
Of those, seven are in the Saint John region (Zone 2), three are in the Moncton region (Zone 1), and two are in the Fredericton region, which rolled back to the orange phase of recovery on Thursday. The new cases are:
Moncton region:
- two people 50 to 59; and
- one individual 60 to 69.
Saint John region:
- three people 20 to 29; and
- four people 30 to 39.
These people are self-isolating and their cases are under investigation.
Fredericton region:
- Two people 60 to 69.
These people are also self-isolating, and their cases are travel-related.
"There should be no non-essential travel in and out of, or between orange zones," said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. "Get tested even if you have mild symptoms."
The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 477 and 356 have recovered. There have been seven deaths, and the number of active cases is 114, with one person in hospital. As of today, 121,542 tests have been conducted, including 1,297 since this time yesterday.
Current cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick, as of Nov. 27. (CBC News)
Shannex reports 5 new cases in Saint John
Shannex is reporting five new cases at its Parkland complex in Saint John.
The new cases include one employee at Tucker Hall nursing home and one employee at the Carleton Hall retirement living building, as well as three additional resident cases at Tucker Hall.
That brings the total cases to nine: two positive employee cases and six positive resident cases at Tucker Hall, and one positive employee at Carleton Hall.
In a message posted on its website, Shannex said retesting of all employees and residents of Carleton Hall and Tucker Hall took place on Friday, and results were expected within 24 hours.
"Anyone with a positive test result will be notified immediately and it will be our priority to communicate with all individuals about their test results as soon as they are available," Shannex said.
Fredericton region could have a yellow Christmas, Russell says
If people living in the Fredericton zone adhere to rules set out by Public Health, the region might be able to return to the yellow phase by Christmas.
Public Health has sent the Fredericton region, also known as Zone 3, back to the orange phase because of high numbers of social interactions and settings, multiple settings for exposure to the disease, including schools, pubs, gyms, health facilities and sports clubs, and "significant" population interaction between the Fredericton region and the two other regions already in the orange phase.
The Moncton and Saint John regions were moved back to orange earlier this month. In the orange, the allowable size of bubbles has been reduced to single households.
Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, said she's cautiously optimistic that residents will be able to gather by Christmas.
"It really depends on how quickly we can mobilize the public," she said.
The orange phase will help slow the spread of COVID-19, by changing the interaction between residents.
Russell said at least 377 people are self-isolating in the Fredericton region and at least 1,700 people are self-isolating across New Brunswick.
"It's a fluid situation and the holiday season is coming up," she said.
Russell said Public Health is also taking steps to speed up wait times for COVID-19 tests. The aim is to have appointments scheduled within a couple of days and results back within 72 hours of having a test done.
The province failed to meet that target this week in the Fredericton and Saint John regions, but Russell said improvements have been made. People who fall into a priority group aren't facing the same long waits.
Residents encouraged to shop local this holiday season
If local businesses are going to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, more residents need to purchase goods from local stores, the CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce says.
Krista Ross is encouraging people in Fredericton to support local businesses this holiday season, particularly retail stores, restaurants and local hotels.
"If we want to have these businesses in our community in the future, we need to support them now," Ross said during an interview with Information Morning Fredericton.
"This is the time when they need us."
Typically, local businesses will see a bump in business this time of year, as residents gear up for the holiday season.
But now that Fredericton region has returned to the orange phase, Ross is afraid that won't happen.
"It's up to us as a community to make a concerted effort and intentional community intention to support those small businesses."
Residents can do this by dining as a single family household, ordering products online or purchasing gift certificates. They can also share a business's social media post or give a good review online.
"Whatever it takes, they're looking to serve their clients in any way possible," Ross said.
Members of the Fredericton business community have expressed concern and anxiety, and Ross said she doesn't know how many businesses will close because of COVID-19.
"We really don't know what's going to happen," she said.
MLA says guidelines still unclear for those working outside N.B.
Green Party MLA Megan Mitton says she's concerned the loss of the Atlantic bubble will cause problems for residents who travel outside the province for work every day.
"This is something that I think a lot of people in my riding, including myself, have been dreading the possibility of," Mitton told Information Morning Moncton the day after New Brunswick tightened its border with Nova Scotia.
Mitton said government's decision to not have checkpoints between borders is a positive step, especially in Aulac, near the Nova Scotia border, where residents dealt with hefty traffic lines this spring to cross and get to and from work every day.
Travellers are required to register if they want to enter New Brunswick. But Mitton hopes government creates a special registration for frequent travellers so they don't have to fill out a form everyday.
"Ideally, people in this area would just be given a pass … to be able to travel," she said.
Mitton said some of the border restrictions aren't clear enough, which is a problem for some Sackville and Amherst residents who need to travel through the border for work daily.
"That's one of the challenges that we've seen throughout this pandemic," said Mitton.
"When it comes to the borders, people want clear rules because they want to be able to follow them and there needs to be consistent enforcement."
She's also worried the new restrictions will reduce overall traffic flowing to local businesses and will hurt the local economy in turn.'
Potential public exposure warnings for Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton
New Brunswick Public Health has warned of the following possible exposures to COVID-19 in Moncton and Saint John, including gyms, stores, bars, restaurants and on flights.
Anyone who visited these places during the identified times should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
Anyone who develops any COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and take the self-assessment online to schedule a test.
Fredericton area
- The Snooty Fox on Nov. 18 and 19, 66 Regent St., between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
- GoodLife Fitness Fredericton on Nov. 18 at 1174 Prospect St. between 10:20 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. Nov. 19 between 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
- The YMCA of Fredericton on Nov. 17 at 570 York St. throughout the evening.
Saint John area
- Vito's Restaurant on Nov. 16, 111 Hampton Rd., Rothesay, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Rothesay Route 1 Big Stop Restaurant on Nov. 14 between 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. (2870 Route 1, Rothesay).
- Pub Down Under on Nov. 14, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (400 Main St., Saint John)
- Fish & Brew on Nov. 14 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (800 Fairville Blvd., Saint John)
- Cora Breakfast and Lunch on Nov. 16 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (39 King St., Saint John).
- Goodlife Fitness McAllister Place on Nov. 16 between noon and 1 p.m. and on Nov. 18 between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (519 Westmorland Rd., Saint John).
- NBCC Grandview campus on Nov. 16, 17, and 18 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (950 Grandview Ave., Saint John).
- Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio on Nov. 19 between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. (47 Clark Rd., Rothesay)
-
Let's Hummus at 44 Water St. between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
-
Eighty-Three Bar Arcade at 43 Princess St. on Nov. 14 between midnight and 2 a.m.
-
Callie's Pub at 2 Princess St. on Nov. 14 between midnight and 2 a.m.
-
O'Leary's Pub at 46 Princess St. on Nov. 14 between midnight and 2 a.m.
-
Five and Dime Bar at 34 Grannan St. on Nov. 14, between 12:30 to 2:30 a.m
-
Freddie's Pizza at 27 Charlotte St. on Nov. 14, between 2:30 to 3 a.m.
-
Big Tide Brewing Company at 47 Princess St. on Nov. 16, between 12:30 to 2 p.m.
-
Java Moose at 84 Prince William St. Nov. 16, between 2 to 2:30 p.m.
-
Rocky's Sports Bar at 7 Market Square on Nov. 13, between 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Potential public exposure was also reported on Nov. 14 between 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m.
Flights into Saint John:
Public Health identified a positive case in a traveller who may have been infectious on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 while on the following flights:
- Air Canada Flight 8421 on Nov. 17 and 18 from Kelowna to Vancouver, arrived at 8 p.m.
- Air Canada Flight 314 on Nov. 17 and 18 from Vancouver to Montreal, arrived at 07:11 a.m.
- Air Canada Flight 8792 on Nov. 17 and 18, from Montreal to Saint John arrived at 9:22 p.m.
Moncton
- RD Maclean Co. Ltd. on Nov. 16, 17 and 18 at 200 St. George St., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- GoodLife Fitness on Nov. 21 at 555 Dieppe Blvd, Dieppe, between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
-
Fit 4 Less at 165 Main St. on Nov. 6-12, at various times between 5 p.m. and midnight. Full list on Public Health website.
-
GoodLife Fitness at Moncton Junction Village Gym on Nov. 6, between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Potential public exposure was also reported on Nov. 9, between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Aldo Shoes at Moncton Champlain Mall on Nov. 6-10 at various times between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
-
CEPS Louis-J. Robichaud fitness room at 40 Antonine-Maillet Ave. on Nov. 6, 9, 10 and 12 at various times in the evening from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
-
Tandoori Zaika Cuisine and Bar at 196 Robinson St. on Nov. 8, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
-
Keg Steakhouse and Bar at 576 Main St. on Nov. 17, between 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Flights into Moncton:
- Air Canada Flight 170 on Nov. 14 from Edmonton to Toronto, arrived at 6:55 p.m.
- Air Canada Flight 8918 on Nov. 14 from Toronto to Moncton, arrived at 11:43 p.m.
-
Air Canada Flight 8954 on Nov. 15 from Winnipeg to Toronto, arrived at 8:16 p.m.
-
Air Canada Flight 8918 on Nov. 15 from Toronto to Moncton, arrived at 11:43 p.m.
-
Air Canada Flight 0992 on Nov. 7 from Mexico City to Toronto, arrived at 7:20 p.m.
-
Air Canada Flight 8918 on Nov. 7 from Toronto to Moncton, arrived at 11:43 p.m.
- Air Canada Flight 178 on Nov. 19 from Edmonton to Toronto, arrived at 5:58 a.m.
- Air Canada Flight 404 on Nov. 19 from Toronto to Montreal, arrived at 10:16 a.m.
- Air Canada Flight 8902 on Nov. 19 from Montreal to Moncton, arrived at 4:17 p.m.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test online.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included:
-
A fever above 38 C.
-
A new cough or worsening chronic cough.
-
Sore throat.
-
Runny nose.
-
Headache.
-
New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell.
-
Difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
-
Stay at home.
-
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
-
Describe symptoms and travel history.
-
Follow instructions.
About the Author
With files from Isabelle Leger, Information Morning, Marie Sutherland
Hence Higgy et al are still riding on the gravy train of the prior minority mandate N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic-cases-1.5817037
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Fredericton rolled back to orange, 12 new cases reported Thursday
Province had 94 active cases as of Wednesday
· CBC News · Posted: Nov 26, 2020 11:42 AM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, said Fredericton will be rolled back to the orange phase as of midnight. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
Latest
- Fredericton rolls back to orange phase at midnight
- The rules of orange: A refresher
- Enforcement 'ramping up' in Fredericton region
- 12 new cases reported in New Brunswick
- Premier, prime minister to talk vaccines Thursday night
- Horizon asks seniors, students to help with outbreak if needed
- COVID forces curtain to open on virtual stage
- Potential public exposure warnings for Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton
The Fredericton region (Zone 3) will be rolled back to the orange phase at midnight Thursday night, joining the Saint John and Moncton regions in the more restrictive phase of COVID-19 recovery.
"We need concerted action and we need it now," Dr. Jennifer Russell said, noting there have been multiple new cases and cases of resulting from interactions at large gatherings.
All other health zones are in the yellow phase.
Russell said the move to orange was recommended because of high numbers of social interactions and settings, multiple exposure settings, including schools, pubs, gyms, health facilities and sports clubs, and "significant" population interaction between the Fredericton region and the two other regions already in the orange phase.
"COVID-19 continues to be present here and in the rest of the Atlantic provinces," Russell said. "Now is not the time for larger social gatherings. … In order to get orange zones back into yellow for Christmas, we need to cut non-essential activities as much as possible."
Later Thursday, Fredericton Mayor Mike O'Brien encouraged residents to follow Public Health regulations and noted "we are all in this together."
"This
is something we hoped wouldn't happen, but now that it has, I encourage
everyone to continue following the guidance of the chief medical
officer of health and look out for one another," O'Brien said. "Let's
all do our part and hopefully we will be able to get back to the yellow
phase sooner than later."
Cases in New Brunswick as of Thursday, Nov. 26. (CBC News)
Russell also announced 12 new cases in New Brunswick Thursday, with eight in the Saint John region, three in the Fredericton region and one in the Moncton region, as follows:
Saint John region (Zone 2):
- one individual 19 and under;
- one individual 20 to 29;
- three people 40 to 49;
- one individual 60 to 69;
- one individual 80 to 89; and
- one individual 90 to 99.
Fredericton region (Zone 3):
- two people 19 and under; and
- one individual 20 to 29.
Moncton region (Zone 1)
- one individual 20 to 29.
All cases are self-isolating and under investigation. As of Thursday, there are 105 active cases in the province, and 120,145 completed tests, an increase of 1,497 from Wednesday.
All about orange: A refresher on the rules
The Fredericton region, Zone 3, will roll back to the orange phase of recovery as of midnight Thursday night. Confused about what that means, exactly? Here's a refresher on the recently revised rules:
One-household bubble
- Residents must stick to a one-household bubble. A household bubble can be extended to include a caregiver or an immediate family member who lives alone and needs mental, social or emotional support.
- Driving with members of your one-household bubble or caregiver is permitted and masks are not required.
Masks
- Face masks are mandatory in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor public spaces include parks, playgrounds, markets, festival sites, dog parks and walking trails.
- A mask is not required while walking, jogging or cycling with people in the same bubble where they are unlikely to risk coming within two metres of people from outside their bubble.
Schools
- Daycares and K-12 schools are open under strict guidelines. Virtual teaching is to be used for at-risk school populations. Day camps are allowed.
- Post-secondary educational institutions may operate.
Travel
- Essential travel only is recommended in and out of orange level zones, but people can travel within the province for work, school, essential errands and medical appointments.
- Carpooling with others for work, school, medical appointments or to access essential services such as groceries is permitted.
- Public transit can operate with one-metre distancing between riders and continuous use of a mask.
Entertainment, restaurants, bars
- At bars and restaurants, customers must be seated at all times, except when they enter or exit the premises or go to and from washrooms.
- Other businesses, including arcades, casinos, food, beverage and retail, may operate if they have a COVID-19 operational plan.
Health, fitness
- Non-urgent medical procedures and elective surgeries are allowed.
- Unregulated health professionals, barbers, hair stylists or spas may operate under a COVID-19 operational plan.
- Gyms and fitness centres may operate under a COVID-19 operational plan.
Premier Blaine Higgs said he will be speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Thursday night about vaccines, and possibly about a rollout timeline. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
Enforcement 'ramping up' in Fredericton region
Premier Blaine Higgs said Thursday that enforcement efforts will be stepped up in the Fredericton region as it moves back to the orange level.
"In recent days, officers have completed 426 inspections in Zone 1 and 2, and now of course will be ramping up surveillance in Zone 3," Higgs said at the COVID-19 briefing, the fourth such briefing this week.
Higgs flagged concerns around bars and "the younger demographic," urging them to follow the health rules to allow businesses to operate and warned that community transmission of COVID-19 is "a real concern."
As of Thursday, he said, enforcement efforts have led to the issuing of 71 fines and 140 letters of non-compliance in Zone 1 and Zone 2. Saint John was pushed back to the orange phase on Nov 20 and Moncton on Nov, 19.
Peace officers will continue to monitor these zones, and will also now move into the Fredericton region to do community checks and "respond to any complaints they receive."
Higgs took special care to acknowledge that he has "heard complaints and concerns about how we communicate that people are in violation ... and I just ask that we be patient."
"I know it's not easy being approached by a peace officer, but it's all for our own good," he said. "They're out there to protect each and every one of us."
Remains of Atlantic bubble vaporize as of midnight
Premier Blaine Higgs said that as of midnight Thursday night, New Brunswick is reverting back to its original 14-day-isolation rule "for anyone, from anywhere" coming into New Brunswick.
Registration for travel into the province, including New Brunswickers returning home from travel, is also now mandatory. Travellers can register on the Government of New Brunswick website.
Higgs said at Thursday's news briefing that there would be exemptions for commercial vehicles and people travelling for work, business, medical, child custody or child-care reasons.
He stressed that checkpoints would not be set up at the Nova Scotia border, but both he and Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, have repeatedly urged New Brunswickers to avoid all non-essential travel to Nova Scotia at this time.
On Monday, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador announced that they would take a break from the Atlantic bubble as COVID-19 cases rose in the region.
The two regions backed out after Nova Scotia and New Brunswick saw an increase in cases over the weekend.
Horizon Health Network said Thursday it has identified "an urgent need for staffing at the Saint John Regional Hospital," as well as at assessment centres in Saint John and Fredericton. (CBC News file photo)
Horizon asks retirees, students to help with outbreak
Horizon Health Network has issued a call for volunteers to assist with the COVID-19 outbreak "should the need arise."
The call was made via a tweet on Horizon's Twitter account on Thursday.
In an email to CBC News on Thursday, Horizon said it has identified "an urgent need for staffing at the Saint John Regional Hospital, as well as our assessment centres in Saint John and Fredericton."
"Because of this, Horizon is seeking interest from its clinical and non-clinical staff who are interested in volunteering for a 15-day deployment to any of these facilities," chief human resource officer Maura McKinnon said in the email.
Horizon is also looking to students, retirees and members of its communities to assist with the outbreak if needed, McKinnon said. She did not detail what duties they would be asked to help with.
"We are onboarding new hires through our expedited process and expected to hire 20 additional personnel today."
At Thursday's COVID-19 briefing, Dr. Jennifer Russell also acknowledged health-care staff shortages, noting "that's not new" but that the pandemic has put extra pressure on staff resources.
In the Saint John area, "upwards of 74 health-care workers are self-isolating," a "huge" number in an area that's already pressed for health-care resources, Russell said.
Premier Blaine Higgs announced Thursday that all travellers coming from outside of New Brunswick will now have to isolate for 14 days, including individuals from the other Atlantic provinces. 1:54
Premier, prime minister to talk vaccines Thursday night
Premier Blaine Higgs said he will be speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday night about vaccines and vaccine rollouts.
He said he hoped to get some information about when the first vaccines might be available.
"I think what we'll get tonight is a discussion around the whole rollout criteria … and how it will be administered per capita," Higgs said at the COVID-19 briefing on Thursday.
"I'd love to think we'd be in a position to be able to roll out a vaccine in the coming months, maybe in the first quarter of this year, but I'm not in a position to verify that, and I'm hoping for some good news in that regard tonight."
COVID forces curtain to open on virtual stage
The Capitol Theatre in Moncton insists the show must go, despite COVID-19.
Kim Rayworth, the theatre's managing director, said virtual performances have been set for the Christmas season.
Some of those performances include A Down Home Christmas with Tomato/Tomato and Noël with Les Muses next month.
The Capitol is partnering with three other theatres in the province to showcase four solo performances simultaneously in the new year.
The partnership is with the University of Moncton, the Monument-Lefebvre Theatre and the Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre, in collaboration with Coup de cœur francophone.
Potential public exposure warnings for Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton
New Brunswick Public Health has warned of the following possible exposures to COVID-19 in Moncton and Saint John, including gyms, stores, bars, restaurants and on flights.
Anyone who visited these places during the identified times should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
Anyone who develops any COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and take the self-assessment online to schedule a test.
Fredericton area
- The Snooty Fox on Nov. 18 and 19, 66 Regent St., between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
Public Health has identified a positive case in a traveller who may have been infectious on Nov. 19 while on these flights:
- Air Canada Flight 178 – from Edmonton to Toronto arrived at 5:58 a.m.
- Air Canada Flight 404– from Toronto to Montreal arrived at 10:16 a.m.
- Air Canada Flight 8902 – from Montreal to Moncton arrived at 4:17 p.m.
Saint John area
- Vito's Restaurant on Nov. 16, 111 Hampton Rd., Rothesay, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Rothesay Route 1 Big Stop Restaurant on Nov. 14 between 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. (2870 Route 1, Rothesay).
- Pub Down Under on Nov. 14, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (400 Main St., Saint John)
- Fish & Brew on Nov. 14 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (800 Fairville Blvd., Saint John)
- Cora Breakfast and Lunch on Nov. 16 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (39 King St., Saint John).
- Goodlife Fitness McAllister Place on Nov. 16 between noon and 1 p.m. and on Nov. 18 between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (519 Westmorland Rd., Saint John).
- NBCC Grandview campus on Nov. 16, 17, and 18 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (950 Grandview Ave., Saint John).
- Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio on Nov. 19 between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. (47 Clark Rd., Rothesay)
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Let's Hummus at 44 Water St. between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
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Eighty-Three Bar Arcade at 43 Princess St. on Nov. 14 between midnight and 2 a.m.
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Callie's Pub at 2 Princess St. on Nov. 14 between midnight and 2 a.m.
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O'Leary's Pub at 46 Princess St. on Nov. 14 between midnight and 2 a.m.
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Five and Dime Bar at 34 Grannan St. on Nov. 14, between 12:30 to 2:30 a.m
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Freddie's Pizza at 27 Charlotte St. on Nov. 14, between 2:30 to 3 a.m.
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Big Tide Brewing Company at 47 Princess St. on Nov. 16, between 12:30 to 2 p.m.
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Java Moose at 84 Prince William St. Nov. 16, between 2 to 2:30 p.m.
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Rocky's Sports Bar at 7 Market Square on Nov. 13, between 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Potential public exposure was also reported on Nov. 14 between 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m.
Moncton
- RD Maclean Co. Ltd. on Nov. 16, 17 and 18 at 200 St. George St., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- GoodLife Fitness on Nov. 21 at 555 Dieppe Blvd, Dieppe, between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
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Fit 4 Less at 165 Main St. on Nov. 6-12, at various times between 5 p.m. and midnight. Full list on Public Health website.
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GoodLife Fitness at Moncton Junction Village Gym on Nov. 6, between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Potential public exposure was also reported on Nov. 9, between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Aldo Shoes at Moncton Champlain Mall on Nov. 6-10 at various times between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
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CEPS Louis-J. Robichaud fitness room at 40 Antonine-Maillet Ave. on Nov. 6, 9, 10 and 12 at various times in the evening from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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Tandoori Zaika Cuisine and Bar at 196 Robinson St. on Nov. 8, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
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Keg Steakhouse and Bar at 576 Main St. on Nov. 17, between 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
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Flights into Moncton:
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Air Canada Flight 8954 on Nov. 15 from Winnipeg to Toronto, arrived at 8:16 p.m.
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Air Canada Flight 8918 on Nov. 15 from Toronto to Moncton, arrived at 11:43 p.m.
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Air Canada Flight 0992 on Nov. 7 from Mexico City to Toronto, arrived at 7:20 p.m.
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Air Canada Flight 8918 on Nov. 7 from Toronto to Moncton, arrived at 11:43 p.m.
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test online.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included:
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A fever above 38 C.
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A new cough or worsening chronic cough.
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Sore throat.
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Runny nose.
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Headache.
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New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell.
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Difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
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Stay at home.
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Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
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Describe symptoms and travel history.
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Follow instructions.
About the Author
With files from Elizabeth Fraser, Isabelle Leger
Methinks I should say thanks again for the long gone acknowledgement yesterday N'esy Pas?
NB has had 453 and 7 deaths...see a difference even if we only have 65% of their population we are at 5% of their death and case count. Mask and social distancing work.
More fiber.
Methinks folks need to laugh after reading your malicious nonsense N'esy Pas?
People need to keep their 20 to 30 year old self entitled rugrats at home it appears !
how many blue pills does it take for you guys ? 3, 4? Or is it over
Are you asking people for advice for in anticipation of your first time?
Covid will be the third biggest killer in the US behind heart disease then cancer. Do a little research before pontificating.
Its to curb travel and spread. Its mitigation.
A stitch in time saves......
Methinks many folks should agree that sauce for the gander should be sauce for the goose too N'esy Pas?
In closing the CBC and RCMP can trust what you people posted of my children that the CBC published will never be forgiven or forgotten or my old blog ain't named "Just Dave" N'esy Pas?
OK, Dave, let it go. No one’s biting. By now, everybody knows that, when public officials give a press conference, they remove the mask while talking. The reporters are at a safe distance, and wear masks. So let it go. You do not have a point.
I heard Fox News was looking for someone to help pour the Kool-Aide!
It is like watching a train wreck. Once that first car jumps off the track, you simply stand back, and watch the pile up.
As long as there are exemptions to the 14 day isolation period we will continue to import virus into our community daily. With this unknown any analysis is only a guess.
I thought he was riding on some of that Irving Royale? I find everything to do with Mr Higgs dubious.
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