New Brunswick has declared a state of emergency under section 12 of the Emergency Measures Act in response to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Link to the full announcement: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.03.0139.html
Some highlights of what that means:
- Restaurants takeout or delivery only, bars must close.
- Closed to public: All businesses in retail sales, EXCEPT: grocery stores; pharmacies; repair garages; post offices; financial and lending institutions; retailers of fuel, hardware and automotive parts; convenience stores; animal & fish feed providers; and corporate & agency stores of NB Liquor and Cannabis NB. Businesses ARE allowed to sell online/over the phone and arrange delivery/pick-up.
- Closed to public: All swimming pools, spas, saunas, waterparks, gymnasiums, yoga studios, dance studios, rinks and arenas, tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, climbing walls, escape rooms, ski hills, golf courses, arcades, amusement centres, pool halls, bowling alleys, casinos, cinemas, libraries, museums, zoos, aquariums, barbers, hair stylists, esthetics service providers, sugar bush operations, and theatres or other live performance venues
- Public schools, universities, colleges closed to students until further notice.
- Non-essential workers must stay home. (Note: Yes, services such as solid waste are considered critical services.)
- Premises where people gather in large numbers must prevent gatherings of more than 10 people.
- People must be prevented from entering workplaces if they show symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have traveled internationally in the last 14 days. Workplaces must ensure minimal interaction of people within 2 metres of each other.
Council meetings would be considered gatherings of over 10 people. The Province shared advice regarding Council meetings: https://umnb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/GNBBulletin_Impact-of-COVID-19-on-Council-Meetings_Impact-de-la-COVID-19-sur-les-re%CC%81unions-du-conseil.pdf
We’re gathering GNB bulletins on our website: https://umnb.ca/covid-19-information-resources/
UMNB is participating in teleconference briefings with GNB. Send us your questions to margot.cragg@umnb.ca and we will gather info for you.