New Brunswick to loosen restriction amid fifth wave

At a press conference in Fredericton on Thursday, January 27, Premier Blaine Higgs announced that all of New Brunswick will move back to Level 2 of the winter plan to manage COVID-19 on Friday, Jan. 28, at 11:59pm.

“As of tomorrow, we will have spent two full weeks in Level 3,” said Premier Higgs. “It has not been easy, but, thanks to those who have done their part and significantly limited their contacts, we have seen new hospitalizations slow down over the past 14 days to a much more manageable level than was predicted. We still need to be vigilant as we move to Level 2 by keeping our contacts low, wearing a mask in public, keeping a safe distance from others, getting vaccinated and getting a booster dose.”

In Level 2, people no longer have to limit their close contacts to their single household and can now expand their contacts to a maximum of a Steady 10. Businesses that needed to close under Level 3, including spas and salons, entertainment centres, gyms and restaurant dining rooms, are once again permitted to reopen at 50 per cent capacity and with physical distancing. Entertainment venues, such as theatres, sports venues, casinos, etc., can resume operating under Level 2 guidance.

Also in Level 2, there is no longer a limit on the number of people permitted at formal gatherings, but venues are limited to 50 per cent capacity and people must remain seated and wear a mask at all times unless actively eating or drinking. Changes have also been introduced to sport, music and recreation activities in Level 2 to allow some activity to resume.

“We know that organized activities for children are important for their growth and development, and for their physical and mental health,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Public Health has determined that some sports, music and other recreational activities can be done safely, as long as measures like masks or distancing are in place.”