New Brunswick has become the first province in Canada to start lifting public health orders and return to normal.
On Friday Premier Blaine Higgs, along with the leaders of opposition parties, announced that New Brunswick will start making its return to normalcy immediately.
“I must say our success to date can largely be attributed to the ability of this group to put partisan politics aside and put New Brunswick first,” he said.
“Everyone in the province is focused on the same goal, whether they work in the departments of health, public safety or other frontline services, or whether they are at home doing their part by physical distancing.”
Saturday marked seven days without any new cases of coronavirus in New Brunswick.
While most public health orders still remain in place in the province, New Brunswick has officially started its return to normal.
Prior to Friday New Brunswickers were required to maintain social distancing with those outside their household. This limit has now been extended to two households.
Golf courses are open, parks and beaches are now open, certain practical postsecondary programs will also be allowed to meet in person and religious services can be held outside as long as attendees follow physical distancing measures.
New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Russell said the province will monitor the coronavirus situation in the province and will be ready to reintroduce restrictions if necessary.
“We will continue to carefully monitor COVID-19 in the province. This includes testing and tracing,” said Russell.
“New Brunswickers must continue following public health measures. Even as we begin to remove restrictions, you will be required to continue to practise physical distancing and good hygiene.”
The next phase in the transition to normalcy will begin in 2-4 weeks, depending on the success of the first phase.
