New Brunswickers are officially back in the Atlantic Bubble as of this morning (June 30), a week later than originally anticipated.
Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin announced on June 22nd of last week that New Brunswickers would have to wait, since Canadians from outside of the Atlantic were allowed to travel in and out of New Brunswick. This made Rankin and Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang hesitant, since the highly transmissible Delta variant is circulating widely in parts of Canada.
After a week of observation, Premier Rankin confirmed in a COVID-19 press conference yesterday that New Brunswickers were officially welcome back to Nova Scotia.
THE BUBBLE IS BACK, BUT WHAT ARE THE RULES?
Each province has its own method of border regulation, and New Brunswickers should check all of the rules before heading out for a drive.
Nova Scotia has now dropped the self-isolation requirement for New Brunswickers, as long as they have not travelled outside of Atlantic Canada in the past 14 days.
That means that New Brunswickers are allowed to enter and exit Nova Scotia without self-isolating or completing the Safe Check-In Form. Any New Brunswicker who travelled to Nova Scotia before today (June 30) and is self-isolating is released from isolation as of this morning.
These new rules apply regardless of vaccination status. Atlantic travelers are not required to provide vaccine paperwork at the border.
Any traveler who is from outside of Atlantic Canada, or traveled there within 14 days of arriving in Nova Scotia, should prepare to self-isolate and/or be tested.
The length of the isolation period depends on vaccination status, so bring all relevant paperwork. Those who received two doses at least 14 days before arriving in Nova Scotia are not required to self-isolate, but may be tested.
WHAT ABOUT THE PEI PASS?
Prince Edward Island allows New Brunswickers to cross Confederation Bridge, but the procedure differs depending on whether or not the traveler is vaccinated.
People who have had two doses, or received one dose 21 days before arrival, can apply for the novel “PEI Pass.” Children under 12 cannot be vaccinated at this time and therefore do not require a pass.
Passes allow travelers to get on and off the island without self-isolating, but they will still need to complete a rapid test upon entry.
If the New Brunswick traveler is unvaccinated, then the rules change. The traveler will need to fill out a Self-Isolation Declaration for Atlantic Travel, and will need to self-isolate for at least eight days.
Unvaccinated travelers will be tested at least twice, once upon entry and once on day eight.
WHAT ABOUT NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR?
Newfoundland and Labrador has simpler rules. As long as you have no symptoms and pass a basic COVID-19 screener, all Atlantic Canadians are allowed in without self-isolating or testing.
Travel registration is still necessary, but proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 status is not required.