N.B. students return to school under renewed masking rules
Students in New Brunswick started their school week off with new safety measures in place.
On Friday, Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy announced that some restrictions would return, including adding a mandatory mask mandate after at least 80 cases in schools in the first two weeks back.
"We'll see what the affects of that are," said Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health. "We're trying to streamline our contact tracing process. As you know, people do get letters to notify them when a school setting has been impacted and they were getting individual phone calls for close contacts, etc."
Parents and caregivers say they understand something had to be done to slow the spread in schools.
"My daughter wasn't very surprised about it," said parent Annick Crowell. "I think they're resilient and they're used to some of the restrictions that are in place. My biggest worry is the impact on extra-curriculars, but I understand it. I'm really fortunate that she's vaccinated, but I understand the parents of the children who are not old enough to be vaccinated and the need that we have to protect them too."
Mary Chouinard, who is a grandparent, support the move, too.
"I think it's perfect, I believed in the masks all along," Chouinard said. "I go to the Y and I'm wearing mine all the time there, so I think the kids should do the same here. I know they're being as safe as they can and all you can do is your best but I wish more people would go get their vaccines."
The Anglo-West school district was not available to comment on but did send a statement saying: "It has been a bumpy start to the new school year, but we learned many lessons last year and are confident that, despite the challenges, we will make it through this year with success."
Of the 199 cases announced Monday, 57 of those are listed as under the age of 19.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.