New Brunswick Day marks first major gathering since all public health restrictions lifted
Monday marks New Brunswick Day and one of the first major gatherings in the province since public health lifted all pandemic-related restrictions.
But amid the celebrations, there's still some concern with a double-digit jump in COVID-19 cases over the long weekend.
The public holiday was originally set as the target day for New Brunswick's Green phase of recovery.
But on July 23, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Russell announced the province would lift all mandatory public health orders on July 30, a few days early.
"It's been about two years since I've been actually out in public, I've actually taken a break since the pandemic hit and now I'm out with all my collection and enjoying the scene. It's great to be out again," says Peter Murchison, a wood carver and vendor.
A lively scene, with events going on throughout the day in the province's capital city provided a sense of normalcy that could take some getting used to.
"I won't lie, it's a little overwhelming seeing such a large group all at the same time, but it's nice to see that maybe a little of normalcy is coming back to the world," says Fredericton resident Paul Mansfield.
Some are embracing the new normal.
"It's a bit of shock, but government cleared us, so I'm happy, I'm good, I'm comfortable. Were outside especially, and especially at this stage in the game, get it while the getting's good," says Ethan Garnier, a UNB student.
However, New Brunswick has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases this weekend and Premier Blaine Higgs says the increase was not unexpected.
"It is concerning when we have like 18-per cent of our population that are eligible that haven't gotten their first vaccine and that's why even today we have a vaccine clinic right here, right next door," says Higgs.
There are currently 37 active cases in the province and as of Monday 67.9 percent of New Brunswick's eligible population has received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Originally the province had set a target of 75 per cent being fully vaccinated before going Green.
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.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
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.