New Brunswick is second Canadian province to ease COVID-19 restrictions

The first phase of New Brunswick’s recovery plan and the loosening of some public health restrictions were announced by Premier Blaine Higgs, the COVID-19 all-party committee which includes Liberal leader Kevin Vickers, People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin and Green Party leader David Coon, and by Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. From left: Austin; Vickers; Higgs and Coon. Photo courtesy of Government of New Brunswick.

 

By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau

EDMONTON (Eagle News) — The eastern Canadian province of New Brunswick has loosened physical distancing restrictions and will allow two-household gatherings.

The announcement Friday by Premier Blaine Higgs is the beginning of the province’s four-phase COVID-19 recovery plan.

Households may now choose to spend time with one other household, if both households agree but the selection made is not interchangeable said Higgs.

“It is understandable that New Brunswickers are getting anxious to return to some sense of normalcy,” said Higgs. “We aren’t yet ready to open large sectors immediately.”

Golf courses and driving ranges can reopen if all physical distancing and safety measures are in place. Recreational fishing and hunting will be allowed. As well, with physical distancing, people can now enjoy the outdoors including parks and beaches.

Co-workers or neighbors can carpool if physical distancing measures are maintained by transporting the passenger in the backseat.

Students requiring access to campus to fulfill their course requirements will be able to do so.

And as an alternative to online worship, religious organizations can hold outdoor services if parishioners stay in their vehicles that are two meters apart.

Over the next several weeks Higgs said the province will gradually lift restrictions while at the same time complying with public health policy. There are no target dates for the start of the other three phases.

“At each phase, public health will monitor what is happening closely,” said Higgs.

Large gatherings such as festivals and concerts are banned until the end of the year.

Higgs said New Brunswick has the lowest per capita rate of COVID-19. On Friday the province reported the number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 118 and the number of active cases is 11. To date, 107 people have recovered. There are four patients in the hospital, including one patient in an intensive care unit.

“New Brunswick, so far, has fared better than most jurisdictions in North America,” said Higgs.

(Eagle News Service)