The US land border is re-opening to fully vaccinated Canadian travellers on November 8 but, on your return to Canada, you will still have to present a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. That means frequent border crossings would come at high cost to bordertown residents with PCR tests costing around $150 per test in the United States.

MP John Williamson of New Brunswick Southwest is calling on the federal government to drop the PCR testing requirement. In a social media post, Williamson said, "We are far from being able to visit family, friends and cross-border communities in Maine like we could before March 2020... When Parliament returns next month, I will press the Trudeau government to end its testing requirements or even shift to rapid testing if necessary."

There were no confirmed cases of influenza last year in New Brunswick, mainly due to public health measures that were in place before the COVID-19 vaccine was widely available. But with less restrictive measures in place this winter, we could also see the return of the flu. Flu vaccine clinics are already underway across the province, including at the Saint Andrews Wellness Centre with upcoming clinics on October 29th and November 4th. Call your local clinic or pharmacy to book your free flu shot.

With winter on its way, the Coats for Communities Drive is currently collecting donations of coats across Charlotte County from now until November 14. Drop-off locations include NBCC St. Andrews, St. Croix Auto and Giant Tiger in St. Stephen and Uncle Mayn's in St. George. The drive is looking for clean coats, new or used, in all sizes from child to adult. If you require winter clothing, get in touch with St. Stephen foodbank who will be distributing the coats.

Finally, all three Charlotte County Tim Hortons locations donated the funds raised from the annual Smile Cookies campaign to the Santa's Helpers charity this year. Carl Dow, owner of the St. Stephen and St. Andrews franchises, presented a cheque to Santa's Helpers on Tuesday for $15,780.60. Every December, Santa’s Helpers helps over 350 families in need in Charlotte County by providing gifts for kids and food for the whole family.