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Covid-19 Restrictions are Finally Being Lifted in N.B.

Corey Kelly ,

For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, restrictions are being lifted in New Brunswick. As of Monday, March 14th, all Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted in the province. That means masks are no longer required to be worn in public spaces, there are no longer limits on how many people can attend a social gathering, no more need for physical distancing and businesses and organizations are allowed to function with the full capacity of patrons. 

A mask that’s been thrown away to degrade with the leaves. (Corey Kelly/STU Journalism)

Even with the restrictions being lifted many are still wary of the virus and continue to take precautions to minimize the spread. 

 

Some businesses and organizations are continuing to enforce restrictions to help keep their employees and patrons safe from the virus. For example, St. Thomas University is continuing to ask students and professors to wear masks in an attempt to stop the spread. 

St. Thomas students are still required to wear masks while in campus buildings. (Corey Kelly/STU Journalism)

At businesses where Covid restrictions are not enforced, you can still find many customers taking measures to stop the spread. Going into a big retailer or grocery store a majority of the customers and staff are still wearing masks and attempting to keep their distance from others when possible. 

People continue to wear masks in stores even though restrictions have been lifted. (Corey Kelly/STU Journalism)

These actions reflect their sentiments as many are worried about how things will go with the restrictions being lifted. A major concern of the people is if the hospitals will be able to handle all the patients if there is a major surge in cases. 

 

The province on the other hand is confident that hospitals will be able to hold up and they made the decision to open things up with that in mind. 

People are concerned about whether or not hospitals will be able to handle a surge in cases. (Corey Kelly/STU Journalism)

“With the vaccination uptake in the province, the ongoing management of our hospitals, and the commitment of New Brunswickers over the past two years, we are able to remove mandatory restrictions,” said deputy chief medical officer of health. 

 

Approximately 83 percent of New Brunswickers have received two doses of the vaccine and 48.5 percent have also received their boosters. This is higher than the overall Canadian average which is only 81 percent for the first two doses and 47 percent for the booster. 

Vaccination clinics will remain open until the end of March. (Corey Kelly/STU Journalism)

Even with the hospitals being prepared and the above-average vaccine numbers the province still encourages people to take steps to reduce the spread if you believe you have the illness. The province will still be offering PCR tests and rapid tests to those who need them. 

The province will still be offering rapid tests to those in need. (Corey Kelly/STU Journalism)

If you do test positive they ask to report it to the province so they keep the public updated on the number of cases. If you test positive it is also encouraged that you stay home from work or school until 24 to 48  hours after you stop showing symptoms. For the next, five to 10 days after you should wear a multi-layer mask, avoid gatherings, and socially distance from others when possible.