New Brunswick Puts Restrictions in Place for Thanksgiving Weekend

At a press conference in Fredericton on October 5, Chief Medical Officer of New Brunswick Dr. Jennifer Russell reported 90 new cases of COVID-19. There are currently 782 active cases in the province along with 50 people hospitalized due to the virus, with 23 in an intensive care unit. Of those currently in hospital, 41 are unvaccinated, two are partially vaccinated and seven are fully vaccinated.

“Because of the high number of cases, we are seeing some breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals,” said Dr. Russell. “However, the percentage of vaccinated individuals who have tested positive remains far lower than the percentage of those who are unvaccinated. Vaccines continue to be one of our most effective tools in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.”

Premier Blaine Higgs, who was also at the news conference, announced that a circuit breaker will be put in place in certain areas of the province for 14 days beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8. The areas that will be impacted are Zone 1 (Moncton region), as far north as and including Sainte-Anne-de-Kent; Zone 3 in the upper Saint John River valley north of and including Florenceville-Bristol; and all of Zone 4 (Edmundston region). People in circuit break regions must limit their contacts to their single household, which includes individuals living together; caregivers for any member of the household; and any parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild living outside the household who requires support. No private indoor or outdoor gatherings are permitted. Travel to or from circuit breaker regions is restricted, except for those who must travel for essential reasons, including work, health services, child custody, childcare or post-secondary education, or travel to events where proof of vaccination is required.

There will also be a circuit breaker put in place across the province for Thanksgiving weekend starting on Friday, October 8, at 6pm until Monday, October 11, at 11:59pm. All New Brunswick residents must stick to their single household for private gatherings both indoors and outdoors. 

“It is imperative that we take swift and decisive action to get this fourth wave under control and protect our health-care system,” said Higgs. “I recognize the challenges these measures will pose for New Brunswickers, but the alternatives are worse. Cabinet, the opposition leaders and Public Health are all in agreement that these regulations are necessary to keep everyone safe.”

“We must act now to prevent the virus from becoming even more entrenched in these communities,” said Dr. Russell. “Businesses and events requiring proof of vaccination can remain open as these are controlled environments and patrons are asked for ID and must be vaccinated.”