New Brunswick will lift all remaining COVID-19 restrictions on Monday, March 14. At that time, masking mandates, capacity limits and physical distancing requirements will all come to an end. Isolation requirements for people who test positive for COVID-19 will also no longer be required. 

“For almost two years now, we have been living with the COVID-19 pandemic and the various measures that have been in place to protect New Brunswickers,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “While it has not been easy, we have risen to every challenge to keep our communities and loved ones healthy and safe. I am glad to be able to say that, because the majority of New Brunswickers have done the right things over the past two years, we are now in a position where we are able to lift restrictions in the near future.”

Going forward, masks are still recommended for people working in or visiting facilities that care for vulnerable citizens. The regional health authorities will also keep masking and visitor requirements in place for the time being since the pandemic, while manageable, is far from over.

“While we are at a point where we can lift the enforced measures, people still need to take their own protective measures, especially if they are at higher risk due to age, being immunocompromised or not being vaccinated,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Public Health will continue to provide advice and guidance on what people can do to reduce their risk, with a focus on those who are at greatest risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. Public Health will continue to provide COVID-19 surveillance and will alert the public when there is increased risk due to the virus spreading, similar to what is done for other communicable diseases.”

Also starting Monday, New Brunswick's COVID-19 dashboard will switch from daily to weekly reports for the next three weeks before ending altogether. The hopefulness that should have come with the announcement of an end to restrictions has been eclipsed by the devastation of war as New Brunswickers watch in horror as Russia continues to invade a resistant Ukraine. Oksana Tesla is one of about 3500 New Brunswickers with family back in Ukraine. 

Tesla has spearheaded the Ukrainian Community of Fredericton's initiative to collect medical supplies such as bandages, splints and slings and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to send overseas. Multiple shipments have already successfully been sent to Ukraine thanks to coordinated efforts with other organizations and the generosity of some shipping companies.  

You can consult the full list of the urgent medical supplies needed for Ukraine on the Ukrainian Community of Fredericton's Facebook page before dropping off items at Journey Church in Fredericton Monday to Saturday from 8:30am until 4pm. 

Charlotte County residents wishing to donate medical supplies can do so locally by dropping them off at the All Saints Anglican Parish Hall in St. Andrews weekdays between 9am and 5pm. Those goods will be transported to Fredericton regularly before making their way to Ukraine.