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
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
Cargo ship had engine maintenance in port before Baltimore bridge collapse, officials say
The cargo ship that lost power and crashed into a bridge in Baltimore underwent 'routine engine maintenance' in port beforehand, the U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday.