New Brunswick bursts what was left of Atlantic bubble

New Brunswick has burst what was left of the Atlantic bubble.

At a briefing Thursday, that province's premier said as of midnight Friday morning, anyone arriving in New Brunswick will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

“At this point, community transmission has not been confirmed here, but the threat is real,” Blaine Higgs said. “We've seen it all across the country, we've seen it in every province, we've seen it all around us, so taking swift action right now is important.”

There are exemptions for essential situations, including commercial drivers, child custody arrangements and medical appointments.

“Pre-registration is a continued requirement and will be one now from any province, and that now obviously is including throughout the Atlantic region,” Higgs added.

In response, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said his government respects the decision.

“At this time, Nova Scotia is focused on the new measures that came into effect today, including the strong recommendation from public health to avoid non-essential travel,” he said on Twitter.

“As always, we will continue to monitor cases of COVID-19 in our province and across the region and take further steps if necessary.”

Earlier this week, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador temporarily left the Atlantic bubble travel agreement.

That means all Nova Scotians heading to Newfoundland and Labrador now have to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

In addition, all non-essential travel to and from Prince Edward Island has been suspended until at least Dec. 7.