Winter storm takes the wind out of New Brunswick’s change to Level 2 of COVID-19 Winter Plan
An early lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions won’t amount to much for several New Brunswick businesses, due to an incoming winter storm.
The significant weather system is arriving on the heels of Level 3 restrictions being lifted under the province’s COVID-19 Winter Plan.
For two weeks, spas, salons, and gyms in the province were forced to close, while restaurants were prevented from allowing people to dine-in.
Kristen Clark, co-owner of a salon and spa in Fredericton, will stick to her businesses’ original re-opening plan.
“With the storm it’s just not worth the risk, so we’re going to keep it for Monday,” said Clark.
The Canada Games Aquatic Centre in Saint John, N.B., will also remain closed this weekend.
Jenna Santurnino, a spokesperson for the facility, said uncertainty about public transit was the primary reason. The facility has a policy to automatically close whenever public transit is cancelled due to weather.
“So it was just in the best interest, to just wait until Monday when all of our staff is back as we planned,” said Santurnino.
Saint John Transit confirmed Friday afternoon that no public transit would run Saturday due to the weather.
“Transit services will resume as normal on Sunday, Jan. 30 unless otherwise notified,” said the city in a written statement.
Mike Babineau, who owns five restaurants and employs about 145 people, said most of his locations he owns in Fredericton will be open this weekend for dine-in service at 50 per cent capacity, which is permitted under Level 2.
Babineau said he’s uncertain what the immediate demand will be, not only due to weather but because of “mixed messaging” from the provincial government.
“We really need the government to say, ‘Look, get out and support your local businesses,’” said Babineau.
On Thursday, the provincial government announced an ease of COVID-19 measures two days ahead of schedule.
“This does not mean we expect only smooth sailing ahead,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health, on Thursday. “We are still in the midst of a storm that will last another two weeks at least.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.