Dr. Russell announced that Zone 1 (Moncton) will return to the modified orange phase of COVID-19 restrictions midnight on Monday, February 8th.
The phase change comes after only two new cases in Zone 1 over the weekend.
Zone 4 is also taking a step down into the less restrictive red phase after over two weeks in strict lockdown.
The province reported just two new cases of COVID-19 today, both in Zone 4.
Orange restrictions in New Brunswick are different than the last time around.
WHAT’S THE “STEADY 10?”
The most notable change in the rules since last time around is the introduction of the ‘steady 10.’
This means that while in the orange phase, a household bubble can add a list of 10 close contacts, as long as those contact are mutual.
So if your neighbour’s household is on your ‘steady 10’ list, then your household must also be on their ‘steady 10’ list.
“If we all keep to a consistent 10 of close contacts outside of our home, we will reduce the risk of rapid spread to COVID-19 and make it easier to trace contacts when infection happens. It’s not going to stop the transmission,” said Russell when she introduced the ‘steady 10’ on January 29th. “We’re hoping to slow it down.”
“This number will enable people to protect themselves and their families against the virus while maintaining contact with others, which is vital for preserving our mental health,” she said.
The ‘steady 10’ is an upper limit, said Russell, and she encouraged people to keep their list as small as they can.
The stakes are high with your ‘steady 10’ list, as they will be considered close contacts, said Russell. “If one member of your household tests positive for COVID-19, they will be self-isolating as a result.”
THE BASICS
Rules about bubbles are the same as the red phase, plus the addition of the ‘steady 10.’
Mask rules also remain the same, and are mandatory in all indoor spaces. Outdoor masks are mandatory when 2m of physical distance cannot be maintained.
Outdoor gatherings hosted by a business/organization that has a COVID-19 operational plan with physical distancing and 50 people or fewer are allowed. Outdoor gatherings of this kind are referred to as “formal gatherings.”
Informal gatherings (inside or out) are permitted only with your household and members of your ‘steady 10.’
In-person religious services are limited to 50 people or less depending on the size of the venue. 2m of physical distancing is mandatory in these venues and everyone must wear a mask. Singing is still not allowed.
Other indoor religious observances, funerals, celebrations of life, marriage ceremonies, receptions and social gatherings are allowed only if they are 25 people or less.
NON-EMERGENCY CARE CONTINUES
Non-urgent medical procedures and elective surgeries are back on.
Hospitals and long-term care facilities will still have strict visitor restrictions. Similar vulnerable settings, such as correctional facilities, will also have tight visitor restrictions.
Dentists and other care providers will continue to practice, as they were during the red phase.
WHAT’S OPEN? WHAT’S CLOSED?
Restaurants can reopen their dining rooms, as long as they enforce that all patrons are following COVID-19 guidelines.
Individuals are only permitted to dine with their household and members of their ‘steady 10.’ Staff must keep records of every customer who dines on site.
Patrons must sit at all times, unless entering/exiting the establishment or going to the washroom. Masks must be worn while standings and moving throughout the business. Physical distancing is, as always, required.
Remember to wear a mask if going through a drive-thru, as most windows are within 2 meters of the vehicle.
Barbers, hairstylists, and spas may reopen as long as COVID-19 protocols are followed.
Gym and fitness facilities are also allowed to reopen. Be advised that the Mount Allison fitness centre is open to students, faculty, and staff only.
Entertainment venues, including movie theatres, casinos, and live music halls may also start up again as long as there are under 50 people on the premises. Similarly to faith venues, this depends on the size of the venue. Physical distancing must be maintained.
Campgrounds, ATV, and snowmobile trails are permitted.
WHAT IS NECESSARY TRAVEL?
The provincial government discourages all unnecessary travel in between health zones, even with the majority of the province in orange.
Necessary travel includes work, school, essential errands, childcare, and medical appointments.
Unlike crossing the border into Nova Scotia, travelling within the province does not require pre-registering online.
Driving with members of your household or your ‘steady 10’ without wearing masks is allowed.
Carpooling with others outside your single-household bubble is still allowed, as long as it is for essential purposes.
Wearing a mask the whole time, circulating the air, sanitizing the car, and screening passengers for symptoms is also necessary.
If possible, the passengers outside of the driver’s bubble should sit in the back.
For the low-down on Monday’s COVID-19 briefing from the province, check here:
