The Atlantic travel bubble within New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador will officially reopen on April 19, 2021. New Brunswickers will once again be able to travel to the other Atlantic provinces without having to self-isolate upon their return. At a press conference in Fredericton, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell said that although this is exciting news, a lot can change in a month. The return of the Atlantic travel bubble is conditional upon cases of COVID-19 remaining low and outbreaks staying at bay.

“While we all welcome the return of a travel bubble, it is important to remember that cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across Canada,” said Dr.Russell. “Coupled with the increase in cases of the variants we are seeing, that is cause for concern. If you are travelling, even within the bubble, please ensure you follow all Public Health directives so we can continue to limit the spread of the virus.”

New Brunswick will also bubble with Témiscouata, Avignon and Listiguj First Nation in Quebec; however, residents planning to travel from these communities into New Brunswick must not have travelled outside those regions within the last 14 days or must have received the first dose of the vaccine at least 14 days prior.  

Beginning today, people 80 and older, other regulated health professionals who have close contact with patients, and people with complex medical conditions are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Minister of Health Dorothy Shephard said that all residents of long-term care facilities have had the opportunity to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Friday, March 19, the first dose of the vaccine will also be available to all residents of First Nations communities aged 16 and over.

“We are making excellent progress on our vaccination plan and have made great strides towards protecting our most vulnerable residents,” said Minister Shephard. “We are now able to begin providing the vaccine to more groups. However, if you are not in one of the eligible groups, please do not try to make an appointment at this time.”

As of Friday, March 26, rotational workers will no longer be required to self-isolate if they have received their first dose of vaccine and 14 days have passed. In lieu of isolating, they will be required to undergo day five and day 10 COVID-19 testing upon their return to New Brunswick. Rotational workers who are not vaccinated will still be required to self-isolate for 14 days with mandatory day 10 testing.

“Every traveller who enters New Brunswick comes with a level of risk,” Shephard said. “Testing rotational workers will provide us with an extra layer of security and will allow us to track the virus.”