FOG BLOG NEW BRUNSWICK NEWS LOG: NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVELERS HAVE TO ISOLATE FOR 7 DAYS IN HOTEL:

New Brunswick to require 7-day hotel quarantine for most travelers...New Brunswick is setting up isolation hotels where most people travelling into the province will have to stay at their own expense for at least seven days.

A negative test for COVID-19 would allow them to complete a second week of isolation at home.

The rules take effect Saturday at midnight, and there are some exceptions for students, truckers and rotational workers.

New Brunswick reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday as cases continue to appear in every region of the province.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said at a COVID-19 briefing that the emerging trends of cases include variants of concern that originated with people who travelled outside the province.

“All travel is risky… For many, the risk is necessary because the job demands it,” said Russell.....However, people who travel for leisure must self-isolate when they come back and do so correctly.

“This is not happening as consistently as it should… This is leading to new infections,” she said.

The cost of isolation hotels to travellers will be approximately $200 per day.

Exceptions for students, truckers and rotational workers

Starting Friday, the province said post-secondary students returning to New Brunswick from COVID-19 hot zones in Atlantic Canada, as well as anyone helping them, must immediately self-isolate for 14 days.

Returning students and anyone coming with them will also need to stay in an isolation hotel beginning Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

The cost of the isolation hotel and related expenses will be covered by the provincial government.