Premier Blaine Higgs presented four-phase plan aimed at gradually reopening New Brunswick and easing restrictions put in place to contain COVID-19.
According to the news release,” the phased plan will allow health experts to monitor and evaluate the impact of the lifting of restrictions. At any time, restrictions that have been lifted may quickly be reinstated to protect public health. Restrictions may be put in place based on provincial, regional or local circumstances such as unlinked community outbreaks or cases that cannot be traced.”
During the first phase effective today (April 24):
- Two-household bubbles: Households may now choose to spend time with one other household, if both households agree. The selection made is not interchangeable.
- Golf courses and driving ranges: If all physical distancing and safety measures are in place, golf courses and driving ranges can now open.
- Recreational fishing and hunting: The delay on springs seasons has been lifted.
- Outdoor spaces: With physical distancing, people can now enjoy the outdoors including parks and beaches.
- Carpooling: Co-workers or neighbours can carpool if physical distancing measures are maintained by transporting the passenger in the backseat.
- Post-secondary education: Students requiring access to campus to fulfill their course requirements will be able to do so.
- Outdoor religious services: As an alternative to online worship, religious organizations can hold outdoor services if parishioners stay in their vehicles that are two metres apart.
Large gatherings such as festivals and concerts are currently, prohibited through Dec. 31, 2020.