New Brunswick has joined other provinces in declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Blaine Higgs making the announcement during Thursday’s briefing in Fredericton.
“After serious deliberation with my cabinet colleagues and the all-party committee on COVID-19, it is my duty to inform you the government of New Brunswick is declaring a state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act,” Higgs said.
Higgs says it’s become clear there are still too many people in our province who are not following the advice of public health officials or are ignoring them.
Public schools, universities and colleges will remain closed until further notice while retail businesses can’t allow customers inside their stores.
“All food and beverage-serving businesses will only offer take-out and delivery. All bars and other establishments operating under the liquor control act will close immediately. Hair stylists, barber shops, spas and nail salons must cease operations,” Higgs said.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, stores operated by NB Liquor and Cannabis NB, gas stations, garages, hardware stores and post offices are exempt.
State of emergency declared in response to COVID-19https://t.co/T61d17mM27
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) March 19, 2020
During a state of emergency, anyone directed by a doctor to self-isolate must obey, anyone coming back home from outside Canada has to self-isolate for 14 days in their home after they return.
If they experience symptoms of COVID-19 in that period, they must stay at home until they are symptom-free.
This does not apply to people who have been exempted by the chief medical officer of health.
If you have a driver’s license due to expire soon, it will remain valid for another two months.
Licenses, registrations, certificates and permits issued by the province valid as of March 16, 2020 will remain valid until May 31, 2020 unless suspended by a court or another authority.
