Atlantic Bubble Will Be Delayed

Further delays are expected for the Atlantic bubble. At a press conference on Tuesday in Fredericton, Minister of Health Dorothy Shephard confirmed that the Atlantic premiers have discussed pushing the reopening date back further from the scheduled May 3rd reopening.

"There was a call with the premiers today, and there is some consideration for picking a date further out, but that date has not yet been decided," said Shephard. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin announced further restrictions on travel into Nova Scotia. Rankin announced that starting Thursday at 8 a.m., people from outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador won’t be allowed to enter the province unless their travel is essential or they are permanent residents. These new restrictions will be in place for at least the next four weeks, bursting hope of an Atlantic bubble return in early May.

“That’s clearly not going to happen with that (reopening) falling within the four-week period,” Premier Iain Rankin told reporters Tuesday regarding the May 3rd reopening date of the Atlantic Bubble.

Ontario hospitals are overwhelmed by the third wave of COVID-19 in the hardest hit province. The New Brunswick government is calling upon people with health-care experience to volunteer to assist Ontario with their response to COVID-19.     

ANew Brunswicker in their 30s developed a rare blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, Dr. Russell annnounced at Tuesday's COVID-19 Update. 

“While every adverse reaction is unfortunate, it is important to remember that these blood clots are extremely rare,” Dr. Russell said. “The vaccine helps prevent the much higher risks associated with COVID-19 infections.”
New Brunswickers 65 and older can now schedule an appointment to receive a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“I encourage everyone who is eligible for a vaccine and wishes to receive one to make an appointment,” said Shephard. “And if you can help someone else make an appointment, please do so. Assisting a loved one or neighbour so they can get vaccinated doesn’t just help that person, it helps us move forward as a province.”

“If you are booking through a pharmacy, please be patient,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Many pharmacies are already fully booked for appointments through the next few weeks. Everyone is working hard to ensure eligible New Brunswickers are vaccinated in a timely and efficient manner.”

The provincial government has also created a dedicated phone line for truck drivers wishing to book a vaccination appointment. New Brunswick truck drivers can now call 1-833-724-0088 with vaccination questions and to schedule a vaccine appointment.

“Truck drivers have been eligible to book an appointment for a vaccine since March 24,” Shephard said. “We appreciate their hard work and want to make sure they are protected and healthy, so we are making every effort to ensure they have access to the vaccine.” 

Regulating short-term rental properties is still on hold in Saint Andrews. There was a special meeting of council on Monday night to once again review the 23rd draft of the proposed by-after receiving additional feedback from the community. Council motioned to table the by-law for the next council to determine its fate after receiving dozens of letters from local rental property owners expressing concern.