Circuit breaker restrictions causes confusion for some New Brunswickers
Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8 , people in high risk zones in New Brunswick are being told to limit their contacts to their single household for the next two weeks.
The areas impacted include the Moncton region (Zone 1), as far north as Sainte-Anne-De-Kent, Zone 3 in the upper Saint John River Valley and Florenceville-Bristol, and all of the Edmundston region (Zone 4).
The new restrictions have come as a shock to some New Brunswick residents who had already made plans to see family and friends over the next few weeks.
Richard Bosse lives in Ottawa, Ont., but his girlfriend, Danielle, currently resides in Edmundston - one of the province's hot zones.
"We're just totally confused and totally disappointed and kind of unclear on what’s going on with the travel part,” said Bosse.
Bosse said his girlfriend had planned to travel to Fredericton to fly out of the province for a visit next week. But now with new travel restrictions in place, they’re not sure if that’s possible anymore.
"Is she allowed to take her flight out of Fredericton to Ottawa? Because we’ve spent a substantial amount of money for her to be here for the week," said Bosse.
CTV News contacted New Brunswick public health for clarification on Bosse’s situation but didn’t receive a response.
On Tuesday, New Brunswick’s Premier Blaine Higgs said travel to and from the circuit breaker areas is not allowed unless required for work, health services, child custody, child-care, or post-secondary education.
As part of the circuit breaker, people are prohibited from indoor and outdoor gatherings with people that are outside their household bubble, unless it is in a public place where proof of vaccination is required.
Edmundston is one region that has been hit hard by the pandemic, after several lockdowns earlier this year. Edmundston’s Mayor Eric Marquis said the news is disappointing, however, he hopes the circuit breaker will reduce cases in their area.
"Things are difficult right now and we were certainly not hoping for this outcome. This was a bit surprising, having the whole Zone 4 going under a circuit breaker," said Marquis.
Due to growing cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Strang, had a message for Maritimers who are planning to travel to and from New Brunswick this coming weekend.
"My strong request to Nova Scotians is respect those, help New Brunswick out, don't travel to those areas right now unless it’s essential,” said Strang.
While Nova Scotia isn't adding new restrictions for New Brunswick, Strang told reporters on Wednesday that Hockey Nova Scotia will not be travelling to a hockey tournament planned to take place in Moncton, N.B. over the weekend.
According to Strang, Newfoundland will also not be sending their team to Moncton for the tournament, due to concern over rising COVID-19 cases.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.