Mandatory Masking Returns to New Brunswick

At a press conference in Fredericton on Monday, September 20, 2021, Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick chief medical officer of health, announced that mandatory masking in public indoor spaces will go back into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

“We need urgent action by all New Brunswickers, regardless of vaccination status, to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Russell. “As transmission increases, we must take this extra step to make indoor public spaces safer for everyone. We all need to continue practising public health measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones, the most important of which is to get vaccinated.”

Masks will once again be required in all indoor public spaces, including: public spaces where the public and employees interact, such as retail businesses, malls, service centres, places of worship, and restaurants and bars except while eating; organized indoor gatherings in public spaces, such as weddings and funerals; common areas like lobbies, elevators and hallways, and public shared spaces including those in private sector and government workspaces; and public transportation. Previously existing mask policies continue to apply in public schools and early childhood learning facilities.

As was announced last week, New Brunswickers will be required to show proof of vaccination when accessing certain events, services and businesses, and anyone entering New Brunswick must pre-register their travel, starting September 21 at 11:59pm.

“The fourth wave of COVID-19 is in New Brunswick and we need everyone to do their part to help reduce the severity of the disease and protect our health-care system,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “All of these measures are aimed at slowing the rate of transmission as vaccination rates rise. We are still going to have cases and we will still have hospitalizations but by working together we can keep it manageable and help our health-care professionals as they work so hard on behalf of all New Brunswickers.”