Premier Blaine Higgs said the overall goal during the pandemic is to keep the province in the yellow alert level until there is a vaccine.
Higgs said this is good for the provincial economy and for the mental health of New Brunswickers
“When any zone returns to orange or the red alert level that causes anxiety for everyone especially for those directly impacted by COVID-19,” Higgs said.
The premier said this is why they want everyone to follow the public health guidelines.
Premier Blaine Higgs noted improved compliance since wearing masks became mandatory.
“96 per cent of New Brunswickers observed in public locations were wearing masks. This is compared to 36 per cent prior to the mask order becoming mandatory,” Higgs said.
Higgs said these measures have slowed the spread of COVID-19 especially in Zone 1.
Premier Blaine Higgs says it was a very sad weekend when we learned about a death at Manoir Notre Dame.
— Tamara Steele (she/her) 🇨🇦 (@tamarasteele1) October 19, 2020
He noted the picture in Zone 5 is “less encouraging” adding every confirmed case has 20 contacts and everyone of those people is being asked to self-isolate which is difficult for everyone.
Higgs said because of the situation in Zone 5, the Campbellton region, he will not rule out further restrictions.
He said the most important thing people can do is follow the public health guidelines.
“It is imperative at this time that you keep your social circle small so that contact tracing can be done as quickly as possible,” Higgs said
The premier said the province is also looking at ways to test essential workers who have to travel.
He expected to provide more information on that in the coming days.
