Provincial borders might be currently closed, but New Brunswickers are standing in solidarity with our Maritime neighbours in Nova Scotia as they come terms with unimaginable tragedy over the weekend that left 19 dead at 16 different crimes scenes in what is now Canada's deadliest mass killing.  

This tragedy comes at a time when first responders across the country are also tasked with the duty of enforcing social distancing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Premier Higgs insists New Brunswickers' compliance with social distancing has a played a critical role in controlling the spread of the virus. RCMP officers across the province mostly given out warnings over the past weeks; however, 29 tickets have been given out to New Brunswickers who are blatantly non-compliant with social distancing guidelines. Officers are patrolling regularly for non-compliance right here in Charlotte County where at least one offender has been fined for blatant deviance of social distancing guidelines.

Although New Brunswick's borders will remain closed for the forseeable future, Premier Higgs is hopeful that if the province continues to show signs of flattening the curve, social distancing measures could slowly begin to relax, allowing for more businesses to open and some recreational activities to resume. Although the usually bustling summer tourist season won't have the same inter-provincial and international travelers to boost the economy as in years before, the Premier is hopeful that New Brunswickers will take the opportunity to explore and support local.

"This is a time to discover New Brunswick once again," said Premier Higgs. "Once we are able to allow more movement throughout the province, we want to have people stay in New Brunswick--staycation"