Restrictions return for New Brunswick students, leaving some to question if they were removed too soon
Rising cases in New Brunswick have doctors concerned that all restrictions were removed too soon.
Dr. Zahid Butt, a physician and infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Waterloo, says since the Delta variant spreads fast, it's important to stay ahead of the virus.
"(What) we are seeing is that until … you achieve a very high vaccination rate, and I would say probably 90 per cent, then only maybe you can limit the transmission by vaccines only," says Butt.
Restrictions are already returning to schools this coming week.
"The fact that we know there is an increased risk of student-to-student transmission because the Delta variant affects young people more seriously than previous editions of COVID, we are taking more aggressive steps (this time) around. For example, with one case moving the school online right away," said Dominic Cardy, minister of education.
On Monday, measures coming into effect include using classroom groupings, physical education classes will be taught outdoors, weather permitting, and indoors wearing masks, as well as assemblies will no longer be permitted.
"Steps like that are part of recognizing that Delta is more dangerous for young people and that means for the community, because the more that we have the spread of the Delta variant the more we end up with people, mainly unvaccinated - 80 per cent plus of our cases are mainly unvaccinated - the more those folks end up in hospital," said Cardy.
On Saturday, Vitalité Health Network sent out a press release saying visits are suspended at the Medical-Surgical Unit of the Campbellton Regional Hospital due to the presence of COVID-19 cases. They say the ban will remain in place until further notice.
"The amount of cases we have lately, it really is probably a good thing to bring (masks) back. We just want to make sure that everyone is healthy and thanksgiving is just around the corner. We want to make sure that we can see our families,” said Emma Keefe, a post-secondary student in Fredericton.
Until the province is at least 90 per cent fully vaccinated, Dr. Butt says restrictions should be in place.
"You will have to rely on public health measures I would say like testing, tracing, and isolation, mask mandates and limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings. So that, as I said, would be the way to go in New Brunswick,” said Dr. Butt.
Vaccination appointment bookings tripled late in the week following an announcement on proof of full vaccination when accessing certain events, services and businesses, and that anyone entering New Brunswick must pre-register their travel.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
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.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.