‘We’d Prefer A Yellow Christmas Over Orange Or Red’: Higgs

Premier Blaine Higgs said New Brunswickers in the orange zones are taking the situation seriously.

He adds that “good work” needs to continue if those zones are to return to the yellow level in the days and weeks ahead.

Higgs said it all depends on how successful we can be in protecting ourselves and each other.

“We know why we have been in this situation for the last couple weeks. Let’s not repeat that. Dr. Russell spoke of the opportunity to have a different Christmas. We’d much prefer to have a yellow Christmas than an orange or red one. I know the opportunity exists for us,” Higgs said.

The premier referred to his own family noting he’s “not excited” that he won’t being seeing his daughters and their families over the holidays or his mother who is turning 100.

On Thursday, the province released guidance for the holidays for individuals, retailers and event organizers.

Higgs repeated his message for everyone to stay the course noting the hard work by residents living in the orange zones.

“The idea right now is that we have this, public health has this, our enforcement people, our healthcare workers in general have this under control so let’s not lose it,” Higgs said.

Single Household Bubbles

The premier addressed questions from New Brunswickers about the need for single household bubbles in orange zones.

Higgs said it was introduced because a high number of COVID-19 cases originated from close contacts spending long periods of time together.

Vaccine Rollout

Higgs also spoke about the rollout of vaccines when one becomes available.

He says the provincial government will have a plan to deliver it as efficiently as possible.

“I am pleased to announce that Greg MacCallum, the director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, will take the lead on this plan. He has the experience and the expertise to ensure we deliver the vaccine to the highest priority groups,” Higgs said.

Higgs said priority groups include the elderly, people living in long-term care homes and front line healthcare workers.

Premier Blaine Higgs says New Brunswickers are taking COVID-19 seriously. He says we need to keep this up so we can return to the yellow zone. pic.twitter.com/JmuiWq82St

— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) December 3, 2020