The provincial government has unveiled the next phase of New Brunswick’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
More businesses are allowed to reopen including retail stores, malls, restaurants, offices, campgrounds, zoos and museums.
Regulated childcare centres can reopen on May 19.
Premier Blaine Higgs says the first steps of the recovery have gone well which is why an expansion is now underway.
“This would not be possible without the collaboration of the all-party cabinet committee and the leadership of Dr. Russell and her team. Nor would it be possible without the efforts of New Brunswickers who have continued to follow the directives of public health and have helped to contain the spread of COVID-19,” notes Higgs.
Elective surgeries will be permitted and all regulated health care providers can resume services such as dentists and physiotherapists.
Businesses will be required to follow public health guidelines upon reopening and if physical distancing is not possible, a face mask will have to be worn.
An inspection is not needed before reopening, but businesses must prepare an operational plan that can be provided to officials upon request.
Opening can occur immediately, but each business operator must decide if they are ready and if all guidelines have been met.
Here is a list of the reopenings and activities:
- Elective surgeries and other non-emergency health services, including dental, physiotherapy, optometry and massage therapy.
- Outdoor public gatherings, with physical distancing, of 10 or fewer people.
- Indoor public gatherings, with physical distancing, of 10 or fewer people for in-person religious services, weddings and funerals.
- All in-person programs at post-secondary institutions, subject to the COVID-19 directives from Public Health. Virtual education options should be continued wherever possible.
- Cultural venues such as museums, galleries and libraries.
- Offices not deemed essential during the initial phase.
- Retail establishments, including malls.
- Restaurants.
- Campgrounds and outdoor recreational activities, such as zoos and outfitters.
- Early learning and child care centres regulated by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will be permitted to reopen as of May 19. The department will contact operators to provide further information in the coming days.
- Non-regulated child care providers may open as of today but must adhere to Public Health guidelines, including having an operational plan.
- Day camps, if the organization can adhere to Public Health measures set out in the document called COVID-19 Recovery Phase: Guidance to Early Learning and Childcare Facilities and Day Camps.
- ATV trails across the province.
