New Brunswick’s Premier Blaine Higgs says he has heard nothing on when restrictions into the United States will be lifted.
But he is getting a lot of pressure on this issue, “We are pushing back through intergovernmental affairs and basically asking when is this going to change. It really escapes me as to why the US thinks we are a risk to their population, when really it seems like it is the other way around.”
Last month, the United States government asked Americans to reconsider travel to Canada amid rising COVID-19 cases.
It also extended its border closures into the country until at least September 21st.
Higgs says, “Well, I’m wondering if I’ll ever be able to drive across. I am one of the ones that is double vaccinated with Astra Zeneca, and at this point as far as I know it hasn’t been recognized in the US. Well, maybe that’s an issue, but Prime Minister Trudeau is in the same boat in that regard.”
New Brunswick’s Chief Medial Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell says a third dose of vaccine is not yet available for those with mixed shots or Astra Zeneca, “We are having discussions around whether we are able to start offering third doses to those individuals. We don’t have anything firm at this time, but we are certainly looking to our neighbours in Quebec who have done that and what their approach has been.”
Dr. Russell adds those who are immune compromised will also require a third dose to be fully protected from COVID-19, “That discussion is happening. We are waiting for some decisions and logistics and operational pieces around that to be in place before we can move forward.”
She adds, says booster doses are also being considered starting with residents in long term care care homes who received vaccines early in the pandemic.
