N.B. moves to strictest level of its COVID-19 Winter Plan, 104 in hospital Thursday
New Brunswick will be moving into Level 3 of its COVID-19 Winter Plan effective 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
Premier Blaine Higgs says the change is necessary with the current number of hospitalizations.
"Moving to Level 3 was never something I wanted to do and I really hate to take this next step," said Higgs. "As a province, we need to get to the root of the problem and that is why we need to do this."
Higgs says, as of Thursday, there are 10 additional people in hospital, bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 104.
Of those currently in hospital:
- nine are in intensive care
- 76 are over the age of 60
- three are on a ventilator
- 78 per cent are either unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or it has been six months since their second dose
- three people are under the age of 19
The move to Level 3 means the single-household bubble rule will be back in effect, meaning New Brunswickers can only gather with people who they live with.
Also under Level 3, public gatherings are not permitted at any venue, and restaurants will be limited to drive-thru, takeout or delivery services only.
Gyms, salons and entertainment centres will also be required to close under Level 3.
Faith-based gatherings can only take place outdoors, virtually, or by in-car services.
Organized sports and all other organized activities are not permitted with people outside a single-household bubble under Level 3. Lodges and other facilities that support outdoor sport must not exceed 50 per cent capacity and must not permit food or drink to be consumed indoors.
Higgs says the province will remain in Level 3 of its COVID-19 Winter Plan until Sunday, Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m.
"Think of it as short-term pain for long-term gain," said Higgs, as he spoke about the move to Level 3.
A full list of restrictions and guidelines for Level 3 can be found on the province's website.
“These measures are serious, and that is because we are facing a very serious situation,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.
“For the next two weeks, I ask all New Brunswickers to do their part. Please, stay within your single-household bubble, wear a well-fitted mask whenever you are in public, only go out in public for necessities, and book your booster dose if you are five months from your second dose, especially if you are 50 or older.”
Higgs adds, as of Thursday, there are 386 health-care workers in New Brunswick isolating due to a positive COVID-19 infection.
TRAVEL REGISTRATION PROGRAM NO LONGER IN EFFECT
New Brunswick's premier also announced that the New Brunswick Travel Registration Program will no longer be in effect.
Higgs says the change is to allow enforcement officers with the Department of Justice and Public Safety more time to focus on ensuring individuals and businesses are in compliance with Level 3 measures.
SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT EXTENDED
Opportunities NB is launching a third phase of the New Brunswick Small Business Recovery Grant program and extending it until the end of February.
Eligible businesses can receive a one-time payment of up to $10,000.
Applications can be made online between Jan. 24 and Feb. 28.
Details on the program, including who is eligible, can be found on the government's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.