New Brunswick inches closer to final phase of re-opening
With more than 88,000 visitors through its gates during last year’s record-setting season, the operators of the Fundy Trail Parkway are hoping this summer once again brings in strong numbers to the southern N.B. tourist attraction.
The Fundy Trail, which is located near St. Martins, offers more than 30 kilometres of parkway along the rugged coastline of the Bay of Fundy that can be seen by hiking, biking or driving.
“It’s an open park where people can get out, even if they still have concerns about COVID and restrictions,” says president of the Fundy Trail Development Authority James Donald.
“We’re hoping with the borders open we’ll have more traffic from outside, and still maintain the New Brunswick people that are visiting," says Donald.
New Brunswick is now allowing Canadians from outside of the Atlantic region with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to enter the province without needing to self-isolate.
A development that’s sparking hope for the recovery of the province’s tourism industry in the midst of the pandemic, however, Donald suspects there still some hesitation when it comes to booking.
“Most of it has been internal so far, it’s almost like people are waiting to see what’s happening with all of the openings – and hopefully it will be strong out of the gate when school is done and summer hits," he says.
Starting Monday, all New Brunswickers are eligible to get their second dose of vaccine – as long as 28 days have passed since they received their first.
As of Sunday, 76.3 per cent of the eligible population has received a first dose and 18.7 per cent are fully vaccinated – climbing a full percentage point over Saturday.
“Over the past seven days, 76,837 appointments have been booked for clinics being hosted by either Vitalité or Horizon. This number does not include appointments made with pharmacies,” a statement from GNB department of Health spokesperson Gail Harding reads. “The number of appointments booked on Saturday was 7,070.”
This as the province urges more New Brunswickers to book their second dose, either through a participating pharmacy or at a clinic offered by the Vitalité Health Network or Horizon Health Network.
“We are going in the right direction, even if the percentage for the first dose is not climbing very fast, I think it’s going the right way” says Liberal health critic JC D’Amours. "We are closer and closer to 80 per cent and I'm very pleased to see that."
New Brunswick’s third and final stage of reopening is scheduled for August 2, but only if 75-percent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and older have received their second dose and are fully vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.