New Brunswick Travel Ban: When Will It End?

New Brunswick lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on July 30, 2021, at 11:59 pm, but the state of emergency was reinstated on September 24, 2021, after a surge in cases and hospitalizations. The province lifted restrictions for a second time on March 14, 2022, ending the mandatory order nearly two years after it began. All travel and public health restrictions were removed, and masks were no longer required in public spaces. However, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, emphasized that the pandemic was not over and encouraged people to continue taking preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated.

New Brunswick lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on July 30, 2021

The decision to lift all restrictions was made regardless of whether the province met its vaccination targets, and the mandatory order was lifted even though the target of 75% of those eligible with two doses had not been reached. Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, expressed confidence in the move, stating that there were enough public health measures to manage the risks of COVID-19. All limits on gatherings and capacity restrictions in theatres, restaurants, and stores were lifted, and the requirement to wear face masks in public ended.

The lifting of restrictions in New Brunswick was not without criticism. Some experts raised concerns about the decision to lift restrictions, and Dr. Gordon Dow, an infectious disease expert, acknowledged that lifting all COVID-19 restrictions at the end of July 2021 was a mistake. He stated that officials had underestimated the potential spread of the Delta variant, which is more infectious than the original strain. Despite these concerns, Premier Higgs maintained that the reopening was "the right thing to do" based on the information available at the time.

The state of emergency was reinstated on September 24, 2021, after a rise in cases and hospitalizations. This highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the pandemic response, with restrictions being lifted and reimposed as the situation changed.

Masks were no longer mandated in public spaces

New Brunswick lifted its mask mandate for the second time on 14 March 2022, when all remaining COVID-19 restrictions were removed. This means that masks are no longer required in public spaces.

The removal of the mask mandate was announced by Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, who said: "It doesn't mean that the pandemic is over...We do expect more variants and we do expect more surges. So again, it's really important that people get vaccinated."

The first time New Brunswick lifted its COVID-19 restrictions was on 30 July 2021, when the province entered the green phase of COVID-19 recovery. However, the state of emergency was reinstated on 24 September 2021, after a rise in cases and hospitalizations.

The recent lifting of the mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions was based on recommendations made by Dr. Russell's team to the government. While the government makes the final decision on tightening or loosening restrictions, Dr. Russell has encouraged New Brunswickers to continue taking preventive measures, such as wearing masks, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing.

Although masks are no longer mandated in public spaces, some businesses and facilities may choose to maintain their own COVID-19 policies, which may include mask requirements, to protect their staff and patrons. Additionally, hospitals and long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and special care homes, will continue to follow Public Health guidance, which includes the mandatory use of masks.

It is worth noting that the lifting of the mask mandate does not mean the end of the pandemic or the risk of COVID-19. Individuals are encouraged to assess their personal risk factors and consider taking additional precautions, such as limiting time in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and minimizing close contact with individuals who exhibit cold-like symptoms.

There were no longer any limits on gatherings or distancing rules

New Brunswick lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for the second time on 14 March 2022, nearly two years after the restrictions began. This included the lifting of all limits on gatherings and distancing rules.

The lifting of restrictions meant there were no longer any limits on the number of people within various facilities. Capacity limits in theatres, restaurants and stores were no longer in place. There were no longer any restrictions on gatherings, meaning that the number of people allowed to gather was no longer limited. The mandatory requirement to wear face masks in public was also removed.

The lifting of restrictions was announced by Premier Blaine Higgs, who stated that there was ""no case now for keeping the emergency order". He also said that the province was trying to "strike a balance between keeping people safe and keeping the province open as much as possible".

While the mandatory restrictions were lifted, some businesses and facilities may have chosen to maintain their own COVID policies to protect their staff and customers. These policies may have included measures such as vaccinations, staying home when sick, proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and maintaining ventilation systems.

It is important to note that the lifting of restrictions does not mean the pandemic is over. Dr. Jennifer Russell, Chief Medical Officer of Health, stated that they "do expect more variants and more surges", and emphasised the importance of people getting vaccinated.

People infected with COVID-19 were not legally required to isolate

New Brunswick lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on July 30, 2021, at 11:59 pm, including all travel and public health restrictions. The province's premier, Blaine Higgs, stated that there was no longer a case for maintaining the emergency order. However, this was not the first time New Brunswick lifted its COVID-19 restrictions.

On March 14, 2022, New Brunswick lifted all remaining COVID-19 restrictions, including the mandatory isolation requirement for individuals infected with COVID-19. While people infected with COVID-19 were no longer legally required to isolate, they were still encouraged to do so. Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, emphasized that the pandemic was not over and that they expected more variants and surges. She urged residents to get vaccinated and manage their personal risks.

Prior to the lifting of restrictions, New Brunswick had a mandatory isolation requirement for individuals infected with COVID-19. This was part of the province's efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. During the early stages of the pandemic, Premier Blaine Higgs had declared a state of emergency, which granted the government extraordinary powers, such as restricting travel and ordering business closures.

The decision to lift the mandatory isolation requirement was based on a combination of factors, including vaccination rates, hospitalization rates, and modelling by Public Health epidemiologists. Dr. Russell stated that they expected to see some increases in cases and hospitalizations but did not anticipate them to be overwhelming. She also emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and encouraged residents to continue taking preventive measures, such as wearing masks and maintaining good hand hygiene.

While the mandatory isolation requirement was lifted, long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and special care homes, continued to follow Public Health guidance, which included masking and isolating those who were ill. Additionally, some businesses and facilities maintained their own COVID-19 policies, such as vaccination requirements and proper hand hygiene, to protect their staff and patrons.

Travellers entering Canada who are unvaccinated must follow testing and isolation guidelines

As of July 30, 2021, New Brunswick lifted all COVID-related travel and public health restrictions, including border restrictions, capacity limits, and mandatory face masks. However, travellers entering Canada, including New Brunswick, are advised to follow the federal and provincial directives for unvaccinated individuals.

Testing and Isolation Guidelines for Unvaccinated Travellers Entering Canada:

Unvaccinated travellers entering Canada, including Canadian citizens, must adhere to specific testing and isolation guidelines. Here are the details:

• Testing Requirements: Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers are required to undergo molecular testing, such as a PCR test, upon arrival in Canada. They must also undergo a second test on the eighth day after arrival. These tests help monitor the traveller's COVID-19 status and protect the health and safety of others.
• Quarantine Requirements: Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers are mandated to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their test results during that period. This means staying at home or in a suitable location, monitoring for symptoms, avoiding physical contact with others, and following local public health authority advice. Quarantine is a crucial step in preventing the potential spread of COVID-19.
• Self-Isolation Plan: Creating a self-isolation plan is essential for unvaccinated travellers. This plan should include the dates of self-isolation, the address where isolation will take place, a safe travel plan to reach the destination in New Brunswick, and arrangements for food and supplies during the isolation period.
• Contact Information: It is important to provide an active contact phone number during the isolation period. This enables health authorities to reach the traveller if needed. Staying connected with health officials ensures timely support and guidance.
• Symptom Monitoring: Unvaccinated travellers should closely monitor themselves for any symptoms of COVID-19 during their isolation period. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. If symptoms develop, it is essential to follow public health guidelines and seek appropriate medical attention.
• Use of ArriveCAN App: All travellers entering Canada, regardless of vaccination status, are encouraged to use the ArriveCAN app or the government's website. Within 72 hours before entering Canada, travellers must complete a questionnaire and, if applicable, upload proof of vaccination in English or French. This digital tool streamlines the border entry process and enhances the safety of both travellers and the general public.
• International Travel Advisory: For international travellers entering New Brunswick, it is crucial to follow all directives from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick. These directives may include additional testing, isolation, or other public health requirements. Contacting the relevant authorities before travelling ensures compliance with the latest guidelines.

By following these testing and isolation guidelines, unvaccinated travellers can help protect their own health and the well-being of the communities they visit in Canada. These measures are subject to change, so it is important to stay informed about the latest updates from official government sources.

Frequently asked questions