Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, New Brunswick students will not return to public schools on Jan. 10 but will move to home learning beginning Jan. 11. This measure will remain in place for at least two weeks and will then be assessed weekly.

“I know this situation is not ideal,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “In-person learning is more effective for many students. I know students rely on services and programs for mental health and food security that are delivered through the schools.”

New Brunswick is introducing new measures to lessen the impacts of the highly contagious Omicron variant on the health-care system.

PCR tests will now be reserved for: People in areas at highest risk, including health-care workers and those who live or work in long-term care facilities, homeless shelters and correctional facilities: People who are symptomatic and aged 50 and over; People who are symptomatic and immunocompromised or pregnant; People who need a PCR test for travel; People who are identified as a priority by Public Health.

Everyone else, including those who are symptomatic but under 50 and do not live in a vulnerable setting, should take a rapid tests when symptomatic. A positive rapid test will be treated as a positive result for COVID-19 and can be registered online at gnb.ca. 

“Some of the elements of this strategy are a significant departure from what we have done so far,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “This new approach has been considered very carefully by Public Health. We feel strongly that these are the best actions we can take to manage risk, support critical infrastructure and minimize as much as possible the disruption of New Brunswickers’ lives.”

Public Health is also reducing the isolation period for people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Vaccinated people who have tested positive, as well as vaccinated, asymptomatic, close household contacts, will need to isolate for five days. Unvaccinated people who have tested positive, as well as unvaccinated, asymptomatic, household contacts, will need to isolate for 10 days.

People who test positive are also now being asked to notify their close contacts and members of their household instead of relying on Public Health contact tracers.

“We must continue to listen to Public Health and to follow their lead as we learn more about the Omicron variant,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “We must remain vigilant, monitor for symptoms, keep our contacts low and follow public health measures.”