Premier Higgs says new rules coming into effect tomorrow night are designed to protect all New Brunswickers until every one receives at least one dose of COVID vaccine.
Picking up on concerns from Chief Medical Officer of Health – Dr Jennifer Russell – about the impact of the COVID variants could have on the province — Higgs says effective tomorrow night at 11:59 all non-essential travellers will now be required to self isolate in an approved hotel for 7 days at their own expense whether vaccinated or not. They will also be required to take a COVID test on day 5 and if negative – will then be able to go home and finish their 14 day isolation period. But – they will have to submit to another COVID case on day 10. This also applies to business travellers who are not rotational workers – truck drivers or regular cross border commuters – and people moving to New Brunswick. It is estimated the cost to travellers will be approximately $200 per day.
Upon arrival – leisure travellers must drive themselves or use a taxi – no family pick-ups or carpools will be allowed.
Higgs says the minimum fine for violating the mandatory order is increasing from $292.50 to $580.50.
Higgs also announced high school students will not be returning to full time classroom instruction for the rest of the school year. Students returned earlier this month after a massive push to have teachers and school staff receive at least one dose of COVID vaccine. The Premier says it is just too risky at the moment to have students in the classroom on a full time basis.
