Higgs Warns Businesses Can Be Fined, Closed, If They Don’t Follow Covid Rules
FREDERICTON – With cases of Covid-19 skyrocketing in New Brunswick, Premier Blaine Higgs and his government are taking aim at the business community to prevent further community spread. During Saturday’s press conference Higgs warned the business community that non-compliance with the pandemic rules could lead to serious levels of enforcement.
“And we are issuing tickets, we will shut down businesses that are not complying. I don’t want this to be a blanket approach…” said Higgs. “Before we’re forced to go into business closures, we’re going to be doing a lot of work; surveilling, going around to different businesses, going around and checking for compliance.”
“We’re asking business owners; we’re asking patrons to follow the rules. If people come into your establishment and they don’t want to follow the rules, ask them to leave.”
On Saturday, 23 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in New Brunswick, a record number since the pandemic started. Of those cases, 16 were found in Saint John and six were in Moncton. Both cities are now in the “orange” stage.
On Sunday, there were six new reported cases, five in Saint John.
With the bleak news of a second wave hitting New Brunswick, Higgs asked everyone to be vigilant with the public health measures put in place by the province.
“Please, don’t give up now,” pleaded Higgs.
“It makes me very sad to think we could lose our gains at the very last minute.”
The New Brunswick government is telling residents to keep their social circles small and restrict gatherings. During the press conference, a reporter asked why, under the circumstances, non-essential businesses could remain open, and why large gatherings like weddings and funerals are still permitted.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick, said the government has to balance restrictions with people’s economic and mental health needs.
“An entire province-wide shutdown has very serious impacts on the economy, on people’s mental health, physical health…” Said Russell.