New Brunswick's COVID-19 numbers are now being reported once a week by the province. As of Tuesday, March 28, 142 New Brunswickers are hospitalized with COVID-19 with 8 in ICU. The province also recorded 13 new deaths due to the virus and 5922 new cases, since the previous week. Chief Medical Officer of New Brunswick Dr. Jennifer Russell said Public Health projected a rise in both cases and hospitalizations as New Brunswickers dropped masking, social distancing, capacity limits and isolation requirements.  

Pre-entry COVID-19 testing requirements are being dropped at the Canadian border as of Friday, April 1. While many southwest New Brunswickers are looking forward to crossing the international border more frequently in light of this change, keep in mind that a federal masking requirement still applies to travellers upon their return to Canada. International travellers entering Canada, including those just crossing the U.S. land border, are required to wear a mask in public settings for 14 days once on Canadian soil regardless of vaccination status. All travellers are also still required to use the ArriveCAN app before entering Canada.

Quoddy Quilters Quilt Guild presented 96-year-old WWII and Korean War veteran Herb McGee of St. Andrews with a Quilt of Valour on Saturday. Quilts of Valour honour Canadian military members from coast to coast for their service and sacrifice to our country. Herb joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 as an Air Gunner and flew 40 missions over France and Germany during World War II. His next wartime venture came in 1950 when he volunteered for the Korean War, joining the Royal Canadian Army Services Corps as a 2nd supply officer.

A fundraiser for Ukraine took place in St. George last Tuesday at the Magagdavic Centre. Over 100 people from across Charlotte County came out for “A Night for Ukraine," which featured a potluck dinner and silent auction. The event was organized by a group of local volunteers in collaboration with the Multicultural Association of Charlotte County. In total, over $7220 was raised for relief for Ukraine.