New Brunswick tightens restrictions as Omicron spreads

New Brunswick has moved into a new phase of restrictions to help slow the spread of the Omicron variant. The province moved from the least restrictive level 1 of the New Brunswick's Winter Plan, to Level 2 at 11:59pm on Monday, December 27, 2021.

In Level 2, the household plus Steady 20 is replaced with household plus Steady 10. Patrons dining at restaurants must show proof of vaccination and tables must be at least two metres apart. Restaurants, retail stores, malls, businesses, gyms, salons and spas, and entertainment centres may continue to operate, but at 50 per cent capacity and with two metres of distance between patrons. For public gatherings, venues cannot have events with more than 150 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less. Faith venues may operate at 50 per cent capacity and with physical distancing. Choirs are not permitted but one soloist may perform if they are at least four metres from the congregation.

All travellers, including New Brunswickers returning to the province, must register or have a multi-use travel pass. Travellers arriving by air will be given a rapid test kit. 

“Our rapid testing has been instrumental in helping us identify cases, especially in people who are not yet symptomatic,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “In fact, many of our recent positive PCR tests have come as a result of people doing rapid tests, getting a positive result, and booking a PCR test to confirm. Having these tests available helps to give New Brunswickers peace of mind as they gather for the holidays, knowing that they are not passing COVID-19 to loved ones.”

Unvaccinated people entering the province must isolate and be tested on day 10. International travellers must follow federal testing and isolation guidelines and must be tested on day five and day 10. Travellers must follow public health measures when in New Brunswick including wearing a mask, physically distancing and staying within a Steady 10.

Although Omicron is not yet the dominant variant in the province, it is significantly more transmissable and is projected to out-pace the Delta variant in the early days of the New Year. When the Omicron variant replaces Delta as the dominant strain, the province expects COVID-19 case numbers will double every three days resulting in 400 cases a day by the end of January.

Currently, hospitalization numbers in the province remain stable despite a surge in new case numbers. Although breakthrough cases are still possible, especially with the Omicron variant, vaccines remain our best defense in keeping as many New Brunswickers as possible out of hospital and ensuring that the healthcare system isn't overwhelmed. 

“We understand it is important for New Brunswickers to have this time with friends and family,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “We know that many people will be disappointed by increased restrictions, but as we have said many times, living with COVID-19 is about finding a balance. It is important that we get through the holiday season without major outbreaks and unnecessary strain on our health-care system. We are seeing significant outbreaks in the provinces around us and in Maine, and we want to avoid having those same issues.”