New Brunswick's Reopening Plan

In April 2020, New Brunswick began to loosen COVID-19 restrictions, allowing businesses such as restaurants, malls, and offices to reopen. The province's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, announced a phased-in reopening of the province, with the second phase including the reopening of restaurants and retail facilities. However, the province continued to extend its state of emergency through May 2020, with Premier Blaine Higgs suggesting that the border with Quebec could reopen as early as July if COVID-19 cases remained under control.

New Brunswick's phased-in reopening plan

Phase 1:

• This phase focuses on easing restrictions on social gatherings and select businesses.
• Outdoor and indoor public gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed, with physical distancing in place.
• Businesses that can reopen include restaurants, retailers, barbers, and dentists, among others.
• Cultural venues such as museums, galleries, and libraries can also reopen.
• Non-essential offices, retail establishments, and malls can resume operations.
• Campgrounds and outdoor recreational activities, such as zoos and ATV trails, are permitted to open.
• Early learning and child-care centres can reopen, following public health guidelines.
• Post-secondary institutions can resume in-person programs, adhering to COVID-19 directives.

Phase 2:

• This phase involves further relaxing restrictions on social gatherings and businesses.
• Restaurants are allowed to reopen to the public, with physical distancing and other safety measures in place.
• Retail facilities, daycares, camps, offices, campgrounds, and ATV trails are included in this phase.
• Elective surgeries and non-emergency health services, such as dental, physiotherapy, optometry, and massage therapy, can resume.

Phase 3:

• This phase is triggered by two to four weeks without a new wave of COVID-19 cases.
• Easing of border measures is a key component of this phase.
• Businesses that involve close contact, such as dentists, chiropractors, massage services, gyms, and hairstylists, will be allowed to reopen.
• Churches and other places of worship will also be permitted to resume services.

Phase 4:

• This is the final stage of the reopening plan and will be implemented when a vaccination or herd immunity is achieved.
• A full reopening of the borders will take place, allowing unrestricted travel into and out of the province.

It is important to note that physical distancing, health screenings, handwashing, surface cleaning, and the use of face coverings will remain mandatory throughout the reopening process. The plan also emphasizes that new cases of COVID-19 are likely to emerge as the province reopens, and restrictions may be reintroduced if there is a significant increase in cases or outbreaks.

The impact on businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on businesses in New Brunswick, with the province reporting the eighth-highest number of cases among Canada's provinces and territories. The pandemic has caused financial hardship for many businesses, with restaurants, bars, barbershops, and retailers facing particular challenges due to pandemic-related restrictions and the 'new normal'.

Many businesses in New Brunswick have had to adapt to new ways of operating, including limiting capacity, offering takeout and delivery services, and implementing physical distancing and health and safety measures. These changes have resulted in increased costs and reduced revenue for businesses. For example, the owner of the 5 Kings Restaurant in St. Stephen, Lisa Aronson, reported a 75% decrease in sales during the pandemic, and had to lay off her entire staff. Other businesses, such as the Warehouse Barbershop in Fredericton, have had to close their doors temporarily due to the state of emergency.

The recovery and reopening plan outlined by the New Brunswick government includes four phases, with restaurants, retail facilities, daycares, camps, childcare centres, offices, campgrounds, and ATV trails included in the second phase. This gradual reopening has provided some relief to businesses, allowing them to resume operations and welcome customers back, even with physical distancing restrictions in place. However, the plan also presents uncertainty for some business owners, as the fluidity of the situation means that restrictions may need to be adjusted or reinstated if there is a new wave of cases.

The pandemic has also highlighted the need for innovation, digitization, and a strong knowledge economy in New Brunswick. Post-secondary institutions play a crucial role in driving research and innovation, attracting international students, and supporting the technology sector and startup community. Additionally, the pandemic has brought to light the importance of easy and efficient access to primary healthcare for businesses, both for attracting employees and maintaining a healthy workforce.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on businesses in New Brunswick, requiring them to adapt to new ways of operating and navigate financial challenges. As the province moves forward with its recovery and reopening plan, businesses remain focused on issues such as cost competitiveness, workforce development, immigration, and population growth to build a successful and sustainable economic environment.

Border restrictions

The New Brunswick government announced a phased-in reopening of the province, with the easing of border measures coming in Phase 3. This phase will begin after two to four weeks without a new wave of COVID-19 cases, and the restriction shifts from a blanket isolation order to a "strict controls per risk" approach for anyone entering the province. A full reopening of the border will come in Phase 4, the final stage, when there is a vaccination or herd immunity.

Until then, there are still restrictions in place for those entering New Brunswick. For international travellers, information on border restrictions can be found on the Government of Canada website or by calling 1-800-461-9999. For those travelling to New Brunswick from other provinces, the restrictions vary depending on vaccination status. As of June 30, 2021, Nova Scotia opened its border to people travelling from New Brunswick without restrictions. However, other provinces may have different requirements.

For those who have received two doses of the vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in New Brunswick, there is no need to self-isolate, although testing is recommended. Those who have received only one dose of the vaccine must self-isolate for at least seven days and cannot leave isolation until they receive two negative test results while in New Brunswick. The tests should be taken on days one or two and on day five or six. Finally, those who have not received any vaccine or who received their first dose within 14 days of arrival must isolate for 14 days, and testing at the beginning and end of their isolation is recommended.

The role of Premier Blaine Higgs

Premier Blaine Higgs has played a significant role in shaping New Brunswick's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its path towards reopening. As the 34th and current Premier of New Brunswick since 2018, Higgs has had to navigate the challenges of governing during a global health crisis. Here is an overview of his role in the province's reopening process:

Leadership and Decision-Making:

As Premier, Blaine Higgs has been at the forefront of New Brunswick's COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. He led the provincial government in declaring a state of emergency on March 19, 2020, and has since guided the province through various phases of reopening. Higgs has had to make difficult decisions regarding restrictions on businesses and public movement, always prioritizing the health and safety of New Brunswick residents.

Phased Reopening Plan:

Premier Higgs, along with the province's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, announced a phased-in reopening plan for New Brunswick. This plan outlined a gradual approach to easing restrictions, with four distinct phases. Higgs recognized the need for a balanced approach, ensuring that the reopening was safe and sustainable while also allowing businesses and residents to return to some level of normalcy.

Economic Support:

Understanding the financial hardships faced by businesses, Premier Higgs has supported initiatives to help them adapt to the "new normal." He has acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses, especially in sectors like hospitality and tourism, and has worked towards providing a roadmap for their recovery. Higgs has also had to address concerns from business owners about the potential for stops and starts during the reopening process.

Collaboration with Other Parties:

Higgs has navigated a complex political landscape, leading the Progressive Conservative Party as a minority government after the 2018 provincial election. He has had to collaborate and find common ground with other parties, such as the People's Alliance, to maintain confidence in the legislature. This collaboration was crucial in shaping the province's response to the pandemic and its reopening strategy.

Communication and Transparency:

Premier Higgs has been a prominent communicator throughout the pandemic. He has regularly addressed the public, providing updates on the province's progress and the reasoning behind various decisions. Higgs has also been transparent about the likelihood of new cases and the potential for future restrictions if outbreaks occur. This open communication has helped to manage the expectations of residents and businesses.

Controversies and Criticism:

However, Premier Higgs's tenure has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for his handling of certain issues, such as repealing financial assistance programs for post-secondary students and withdrawing from a federal program to fund public transit. Additionally, his past association with the anti-bilingual Confederation of Regions Party has raised concerns among Acadian organizations about his approach to language rights.

In conclusion, Premier Blaine Higgs has played a pivotal role in New Brunswick's reopening process, making challenging decisions, collaborating with various stakeholders, and communicating transparently with the public. While his leadership style and policy choices have invited both support and criticism, his overall impact on the province's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its path towards reopening cannot be understated.

The province's COVID-19 recovery plan

The province of New Brunswick has announced a phased-in reopening, with a four-stage recovery plan to ease restrictions on businesses and public movement. The plan will be implemented gradually, with each phase lasting between two to four weeks, depending on the absence of a new wave of COVID-19 cases.

Phase 1

In the first phase, outdoor and indoor public gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed, with physical distancing measures in place. This includes in-person religious services, weddings, and funerals. Cultural venues such as museums, galleries, and libraries will also be permitted to open. Non-essential offices, retail establishments, including malls, and regulated early learning and childcare centres will be allowed to resume operations. Outdoor recreational activities, such as campgrounds, zoos, and ATV trails, will also be permitted.

Phase 2

The second phase will see the reopening of restaurants and retail facilities, along with daycares, camps, childcare centres, offices, campgrounds, and ATV trails. Elective surgeries and non-emergency health services, including dental, physiotherapy, optometry, and massage therapy, will also be allowed to resume. Post-secondary institutions will be permitted to resume in-person programs, subject to COVID-19 directives from public health. However, virtual education options should still be prioritised where possible.

Phase 3

After two to four weeks without a new wave of COVID-19 cases, Phase 3 will begin. This phase will see the easing of border measures, with a shift from blanket isolation orders for anyone entering the province to strict controls per risk. Additionally, dentists, chiropractors, massage services, churches, gyms, and other close-contact businesses will be allowed to reopen. Hairstylists and barbers will also resume operations in this phase.

Phase 4

The final stage of the recovery plan, Phase 4, will involve a full reopening of the borders when a vaccination is available or herd immunity is achieved.

Throughout the recovery plan, physical distancing, health screenings, handwashing, surface cleaning, and face coverings will remain mandatory.

Frequently asked questions