Zones 1, 2, and 3 all join Zone 4 in the red phase of COVID-19 restrictions starting January 20th.
Sackville residents may need to make adjustments to their daily routine.
It may be difficult to know exactly what needs to change, since this round of red has different rules than the last time.
Here is a breakdown of the rules, and how they differ (or don’t) from the less strict orange restrictions.
THE BASICS
Rules about close contacts, or bubbles, remain the same as they were during orange phase.
Bubbles must be limited to a single household, in other words, the people you live with.
After backlash from the public during the last switch to orange, Dr. Jennifer Russell explained that the single household bubble is not meant to isolate single people.
Single people can be included in a bubble, as can necessary caregivers such as babysitters.
Masks rules also remain the same, and are mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces.
Outdoor gatherings, however, have reduced significantly.
Only gathering of 5 people are less are permitted, and everybody physically distancing at least 2 meters apart from one another.
Religious services are also not permitted unless they are outside, or drive-in.
SCHOOL’S IN
The most notable change in red phase restrictions is that schools remain open.
Kids and teachers can still hit the books, but not before undergoing more intense screening before they arrive.
Students and staff must stay home from school if they have even one of the COVID-19 symptoms.
Should there be a case of the virus detected in a school during red phase restrictions, the school will shut down for at least three days.
Those days are used for contact tracing, and any affected students or staff will be contacted by Public Health.
The school in question will also be used to test staff in the event of a case.
Daycares are still open, as long as they can adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Mount Allison students will also return to class, including some in-person programming.
Most of class, however, will take place online.
CHANGES TO HEALTHCARE
All non-urgent medical procedures and elective surgeries are postponed in an attempt to keep New Brunswick’s healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
Hospitals and long-term care facilities will soon have stricter visitor restrictions.
Similar vulnerable settings, such as correctional facilities, will also have tighter visitor restrictions.
Healthcare providers are still available, but a virtual meeting may be arranged if possible.
Dentists and other care providers are also still able to practice.
WHAT’S OPEN? WHAT’S CLOSED?
Say goodbye to dining in for now, restaurants can only do take-out, drive-thru, or delivery.
Many restaurants in Sackville made the switch to take-out only weeks ago, due to the confusing nature of orange phase requirements.
Remember to wear a mask if going through a drive-thru, as most windows are within 2 meters of the vehicle.
Haircuts will have to be done at home for awhile, as barbers, hair stylists, and salons must close the doors until further notice.
Gym and fitness facilities also must close for the time being, including the Mount Allison Wellness Centre gym.
Entertainment venues are also required to cancel ticket sales, including movie theatres, casinos, and live music venues.
If you are wondering about a business or service that isn’t listed above, it is likely open as long as it has a COVID-19 operational plan in place.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail hotspots are allowed to be open.
It would not hurt to call ahead before heading out to shop, as independently-owned businesses may choose to close of their own volition.
WHAT IS NECESSARY TRAVEL?
The provincial government discourages all unnecessary travel in and out of health zones in red phase restrictions.
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.
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.
[UPDATE: The graphic outlining restrictions based on phase of recovery was updated on Jan. 20 1:58PM]
