N.B. to end vaccine passport Feb. 28, lift all COVID-19 restrictions by March 14

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick has become the latest Atlantic Canadian province to set a deadline for ending all pandemic-related health restrictions.

Premier Blaine Higgs announced Thursday that proof of vaccination requirements will end as of Feb. 28. After that, all remaining measures will be lifted on March 14.

That includes an end to mask mandates, capacity limits and isolation requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19, he said. The province will also look at its vaccination requirements for public sector employees, but for now they will remain in place.

“We need to recognize that some will be more comfortable with these changes than others, and some will need the added protection masking gives them,” Higgs told reporters in Fredericton. “We are in a position to be able to lift measures because the majority of New Brunswickers have done the right thing throughout the pandemic.”

Measures will also be lifted in all public schools, he said, though students and staff may choose to continue wearing masks.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced Wednesday the province would lift all restrictions on March 21, while Newfoundland and Labrador is also aiming for March 14. Prince Edward Island estimates all of its health measures will end on April 7.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health, said she still recommends isolation protocols for those who test positive for COVID-19 in high-risk settings, such as long-term care homes, shelters and correctional facilities. Public health also recommends that all residents, staff and visitors to these facilities continue to wear masks, she said.

“It is likely that there will be a spike in new infections and illness as people move about and interact,” Russell told reporters, adding: “Vaccination will continue to be important, and I urge every New Brunswicker to become fully vaccinated and boosted.”

Public health officials in New Brunswick said that as of Thursday there were 77 people hospitalized due to COVID-19, five of whom were in intensive care and two of whom were on ventilators.

The province reported 365 new cases confirmed with a PCR test and 819 new cases confirmed with rapid tests, which are self-reported by residents. Government data shows 87 per cent of residents are fully vaccinated with two doses and 50 per cent have had a booster shot.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 24, 2022.

The Canadian Press