N.B. to ease COVID-19 restrictions at midnight; students will return to class Monday
New Brunswick will return to Level 2 of its winter plan to manage COVID-19 two days earlier than expected.
The surprise move was announced Thursday afternoon during the province’s COVID-19 update.
“Your efforts have made a difference,” said New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell. “You have helped us blunt the impact of this latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The move to Level 2 will take effect Friday at 11:59 p.m.
The province’s top doctor said the decision was made to enter Level 2 because of a slowdown in the rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations.
While Russell praised New Brunswickers for their hard work during these challenging times, she also warned that now is not the time to let their guard down.
“This does not mean we expect only smooth sailing ahead. We are still in the midst of a storm that will last another two weeks at least,” added Russell.
RESTRICTIONS TO EASE
A move to Level 2 means residents can experience a few more freedoms.
Russell said New Brunswickers must limit contacts to their household members and a steady group of 10 people for indoor and outdoor gatherings.
Masks will continue to be mandatory for indoor public gatherings and outside when physical distancing isn’t possible.
Schools will return to in-person learning on Monday. The province says there will be modified restrictions for sports activities and music.
Public venues, restaurants, along with gyms, spas and salons, will be able to operate at 50 per cent capacity with proof of vaccination, and retail businesses will also be able to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
“We will need continued vigilance and a cautious approach when returning to school, work and everyday activities,” said Russell.
COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS
As of Thursday, 142 New Brunswickers were in hospital with the virus, including eight in intensive care.
During Thursday’s COVID-19 update, Premier Blaine Higgs expressed the importance of being fully vaccinated.
“We realize that we have had a high number of deaths in recent months,” he said. “Ninety-six per cent of those who died since Dec. 1 had an associated risk factor, such as an underlying risk factor, or they were not fully protected by vaccinations.”
The premier added, 86 per cent of those under 70 years of age who died as a result of COVID-19 since Dec. 1 were not fully vaccinated.
“Even with those positive strides forward there’s always room for improvement and vaccine capabilities have not yet been reached. We can indeed vaccinate more. We still are not fulfilling all of the available appointments,” the premier said.
The province says with a move to Level 2, daily COVID-19 updates will no longer be released, but updated info will be available on New Brunswick’s COVID-19 dashboard.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.