FOG BLOG N.B. NEWS LOG: PROOF OF VACCINATION ENDED AND ALL RESTRICTIONS OF COVID END MID MARCH:

N.B. to drop all COVID-19 restrictions on March 14; vaccine passport ended Monday...New Brunswick is the latest Maritime province to announce plans to remove all COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines.

Premier Blaine Higgs said all pandemic-related restrictions and mandates will be eliminated at 12:01 a.m. on March 14.

At that time, all mandatory orders will be lifted, which means masks won’t be required indoors or outdoors, capacity limits will be eliminated and physical distancing requirements will be no more, along with isolation requirements for the general public.

“For almost two years now, we have been living with the COVID-19 pandemic and the various measures that have been in place to protect New Brunswickers,” said Higgs during a news conference on Thursday...“While it has not been easy, we have risen to every challenge to keep our communities and loved ones healthy and safe.”

After March 14, a five-day isolation period will still be recommended for people in long-term care facilities, shelters, correctional facilities and other vulnerable sectors, who test positive for COVID-19.

Masks will still be recommended for workers or visitors at facilities where patients or residents are more vulnerable to the virus.

“While we are at a point where we can lift the enforced measures, people still need to take their own protective measures, especially if they are at higher risk due to age, being immunocompromised or not being vaccinated,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health.

“Public health will continue to provide advice and guidance on what people can do to reduce their risk, with a focus on those who are at greatest risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19."

All restrictions in public schools will also be lifted on March 14, but students and staff are encouraged to wear masks if it makes them feel more comfortable.

"We are in the position to lift measures because the majority of New Brunswickers have done the right thing throughout this pandemic," Higgs said. "When asked, you followed public health measures ... you did this because you understand that it is about more than individual right.

"You are the reason we are able to take this next step. It was the sacrifices of the majority that got us here today."

END TO VACCINE PASSPORT

Effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, proof of vaccination has not been required at facilities such as gyms, entertainment centres, churches and restaurants.

Other measures under Level 1, including masking and physical distancing, will remain in effect until March 14.

"While the time has come to lift mandatory restrictions, the COVID-19 virus will still be with us for some time to come," said Russell. "It is likely that there will be spikes in cases and illness as people move about and interact."