Zone 3 (Fredericton region) moves to Orange level as of midnight tonight under the province’s revised COVID-19 recovery plan.
Public Health recommended the move to the Orange level due to high numbers of social interactions and settings, multiple exposure settings including schools, pubs, gyms, health facilities and sports clubs, and significant population interaction between Zones 1 and 2 which are already in Orange and Zone 3.
“COVID-19 continues to be present here and the rest of the Atlantic provinces,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Now is not the time for larger social gatherings. Keep your number of close contacts as small and consistent as possible. In order to get Orange zones back into Yellow for Christmas we need to cut non-essential activities as much as possible.”
Twelve new cases
Public Health reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 today.
The eight cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:
- one individual 19 and under;
- one individual 20-29;
- three people 40-49;
- one individual 60-69;
- one individual 80-89; and
- one individual 90-99.
The three cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:
- two people 19 and under; and
- one individual 20-29.
The other case is an individual 20-29 in Zone 1 (Moncton region).
All cases are self-isolating and under investigation.
The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 465 and 353 have recovered. There have been seven deaths, and the number of active cases is 105 with one hospitalized case. As of today, 120,145 tests have been conducted.
“As our experience with COVID-19 and knowledge continues to evolve, so will the requirements,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “We know that changing rules and requirements can be difficult to keep up with, but we have to be flexible and continue to adapt to keep New Brunswickers safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our province.”
Changes to travel rules outside New Brunswick
Effective midnight tonight, people travelling into New Brunswick, including all of the Atlantic provinces, are required to self-isolate for 14 days unless exempt. Registration for travel into New Brunswick, including New Brunswickers returning home from travel, is also now mandatory. Travellers must register at www.gnb.ca/travelregistration. Failure to register can result in penalties.
Clarification for Campobello residents
Residents of Campobello Island are permitted to return to New Brunswick after stopping in Lubec, Maine for fuel, groceries, or health needs, or Lubec or Machias, Maine for medical needs without being required to self-isolate.
“I encourage residents of Campobello Island to limit trips off the island to minimize risk and they need to be aware of Public Health measures for any area they enter, but also the Public Health measures within their own zone which is currently Orange,” said Higgs.
Renewal and revision of mandatory order
The state of emergency mandatory order was renewed today under the authority of the Emergency Measures Act.
In orange or red zones where a one-household bubble is required, the bubble can be extended to a caregiver or an immediate family member who requires mental, social and/or emotional support.
For anyone living alone who needs mental health or other care support, a caregiver can be a formal or informal caregiver, such as a close friend or neighbour. This single household along with the caregiver or immediate family member needing support is permitted to go to restaurants and other venues such as church together.
Effective tonight at midnight, licensed premises such as a bar or restaurant in areas in the Orange level of recovery must ensure all patrons are seated at all times, except to enter and exit the premises and to go to and from washrooms. This change is to minimize interactions and close contacts while also allowing these facilities to continue to operate.
Enforcement of COVID-19 rules is taking place in communities around New Brunswick. Police officers, peace officers and inspectors are visiting public places, checking for compliance by the public and ensuring businesses are following the guidelines. They are also ensuring that operational plans are in place.
People with concerns about compliance with the state of emergency can contact 1-844-462-8387, the number is operational seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email helpaide@gnb.ca.
Source: Release #notw