New Brunswick re-enters Level 2 of Winter Action Plan at 11:59 pm on January 28th

All of New Brunswick will move back to Level 2 of the winter plan to manage COVID-19 tonight at 11:59 p.m.

Businesses that needed to close under Level 3, including spas and salons, entertainment centres, gyms and restaurant dining rooms, will be permitted to reopen in Level 2 at 50 per cent capacity and with physical distancing. People must limit their contacts to a maximum of a Steady 10.

Guidance on formal gatherings has been changed in Level 2. There is no longer a limit on the number of people permitted, but venues are limited to 50 per cent capacity and people must remain seated and wear a mask at all times unless actively eating or drinking. Entertainment venues, such as theatres, sports venues, casinos, etc., can resume operating under Level 2 guidance.

Changes have also been introduced to sport, music and recreation activities in Level 2 to allow some activity to resume. A full list of the changes is available online.

Public schools will resume full-time, in-person learning on Monday, as planned. The provincial plans for schools, which outlines measures to align with Public Health’s winter plan, will also take effect Monday.

Families are reminded that masks will be required indoors and outdoors, for all age groups, except for kindergarten-to-Grade 8 students who are within their grouping outdoors at Level 2. Students are reminded to bring their own mask to school; well-fitted, three-layer masks are recommended by Public Health. A supply of medical-grade masks, rated as KN95 or higher, have been secured for teachers and school staff as an option.

“We all have a role to play in keeping our schools as healthy and safe as possible,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “We are asking everyone in schools to co-operate to make sure everyone is wearing their mask properly throughout the day – over the nose and mouth. By following the guidelines, you are helping to keep school staff, students and others in the community healthy.”

Any student experiencing a new or worsening symptom should not attend school and register online for rapid tests. The full plans for kindergarten to Grade 8 and high schools are available online.