New Brunswickers can expect to feel a sense of déjà vu as well as growing pains today due to a trio of new health measures.
As of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, new rules came into effect to combat the unprecedented number of COVID-19 cases in the province.
Proof of full vaccination is now necessary to access most services, businesses, and events, including
- indoor festivals, performing arts and sporting events;
- indoor and outdoor dining and drinking at restaurants, pubs and bars;
- movie theatres, nightclubs, amusement centres, pool halls, bowling alleys and casinos;
- gyms, indoor pools and indoor recreation facilities;
- indoor group exercise facilities;
- indoor organized gatherings, including weddings, funerals, parties (excluding parties in a private dwelling), conferences and workshops;
- indoor organized group recreational sports, classes and activities; and
- visiting a long-term care facility.
Proof of full vaccination and government-issued identification is required for anyone that is age 12 and older.
Individuals with a medical exemption that prevents them from receiving a vaccine will also be required to show proof.
The increased health measures also mark an unwanted reunion with a mask mandate.
New Brunswick made masks optional during the move to the Green level in late July, but they are once again mandatory for indoor public spaces, which includes:
- public spaces where the public and employees interact, such as retail businesses, malls, service centres, places of worship, and restaurants and bars except while eating;
- organized indoor gatherings in public spaces, such as weddings and funerals;
- common areas such as lobbies, elevators and hallways, and public shared spaces, including those in private sector and government workspaces; and
- public transportation.
In addition, anyone entering New Brunswick must pre-register through the New Brunswick Travel Registration Program.
Peace Officers have the power to hand out fines to any individual or business that fails to follow the new regulations. These fines can range between $172.50 and $772.50 under the Provincial Offences Procedure Act.