N.B. Enters Level 1 Of Winter Plan On Feb. 18
MONCTON–New Brunswick will move to Level 1 of the Covid-19 winter plan next week and could eliminate pandemic restrictions by the end of March.
Premier Blaine Higgs announced the province will loosen restrictions at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 18. A move to Level 1 allows businesses to return to full capacity with limited measures in place.
Unlike previous moves between levels, only one significant change has been announced, as faith-based venues will be allowed singing.
Higgs’ announcement came with the news that New Brunswick has its sights on ending the emergency order.
“We’re looking at the end of winter to remove the measures that are part of the winter plan, meaning the end of all Covid-19 restrictions on businesses and the public.”
Higgs said removing restrictions will be dependent on a decrease in hospitalizations and ensuring the health care system is not under strain.
“The end of the mandates is certainly in sight,” the premier said.
Higgs recognized there has been a movement pushing provinces to loosen restrictions but said it is not a factor in New Brunswick.
Speaking before Higgs, Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said there are signs the Omicron wave of Covid-19 is slowing down.
Russell pointed to a decline in virus-related hospitalizations and a stabilization in health care worker absences.
Projections referenced by Russell indicated another week under the current level of restrictions will severely lessen a spike in hospitalizations.
Protest fines
In a move similar to Nova Scotia, Higgs announced changes to the mandatory order that prohibits:
- Stopping or parking a vehicle or placing any item in a way that contributes to blocking the normal flow of traffic on any road or highway;
- Participating in, financing, organizing or aiding any interruption of the normal flow of vehicle traffic on any road or highway. This includes delivering fuel, food, drink or other supplies to anyone who is attempting to interrupt the normal flow of vehicle traffic;
- Stopping or gathering with others along the side of any numbered highway.
Those who violate the rules could face a fine between $3,000 and $10,000 and will have their driving privileges suspended for up to 12 months, while corporations are subject to fines ranging from $20,000 to $100,000.
Additionally, peace officers will have the power to seize supplies being delivered unlawfully, including food, drink, fuel, construction materials, noise-making objects and weapons.
Any vehicle obstructing a road or highway may also be seized.
Covid-19 statistics
Public Health reported six more New Brunswickers who were positive for Covid-19 have died.
All of these individuals were over the age of 60, according to the provincial Covid-19 dashboard.
Covid-19 related hospitalizations fell to 139, consisting of 77 people in hospital with the virus and 62 people hospitalized for the virus.
Intensive care unit patients decreased by two compared to Tuesday for a total of 15, and there are now seven New Brunswickers on a ventilator.
Based on PCR tests conducted, there are 321 new cases of Covid-19 in the province. An additional 573 positive rapid test results have been reported to the Department of Health.
There are 329 New Brunswick health care workers who are positive for Covid-19 and isolating.
Vaccinations
Dr. Russell announced that, starting today, all New Brunswickers will have the option to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty Covid-19 vaccine as a booster.
Due to a limited supply and a slight risk of myocarditis/pericarditis in younger age groups with the Moderna vaccine, access to the Pfizer vaccine was temporarily limited to those under the age of 30.
The Pfizer vaccine will be offered as a booster dose to anyone 12 or over with informed consent, as long as at least five months have passed since their second dose, the province said in a news release.
To provide more timely access to boosters, Russell announced immunocompromised New Brunswickers between the ages of 12-17 can book the third dose of their mRNA vaccine if at least 28 days have passed since their second dose.
As of Wednesday, 92.4 percent of eligible residents have their first dose of a vaccine, 85.6 percent have rolled up their sleeves for a second shot, and 46.8 percent have lined up for a third jab.
Changes to isolation
Currently, Public Health recommends anyone with one of the 11 symptoms of Covid-19 should isolate.
However, under changes announced by Russell, those with a fever, a loss of sense of taste, or a loss of sense of smell should isolate and schedule a Covid-19 test.
“While the earliest signs of Covid-19 will vary according to the person’s age and the variant of the virus, stand-alone symptoms such as elevated body temperature and loss of taste and smell are specific early indicators of Covid-19,” Russell stated.
Those with two of the following symptoms are also advised to isolate and receive a Covid-19 test:
- a new cough or worsening chronic cough;
- difficulty breathing;
- runny nose;
- sore throat;
- headache;
- diarrhea;
- new onset of fatigue;
- purple markings on fingers or toes of children.
More details on this story can be found here.
Robert Lothian is a reporter with 91.9 The Bend in Moncton, a Huddle content partner.