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
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.