It was two years ago Friday when New Brunswick announced its first presumptive COVID-19 case.
That announcement on March 11, 2020, set in motion a chain of events that would soon change many things in the province.
Just two days later, on March 13, the government agreed to close all public schools in response to the situation.
A state of emergency was declared six days after that, on March 19, giving the province broad powers in an effort to mitigate impacts from the virus.
New Brunswick moved to end all COVID-19 measures in late July 2021, but the state of emergency was reinstated less than two months later on Sept. 24 due to rising COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Now, things are about to change again as the province prepares to remove all remaining COVID-19 measures on Monday.
Hospitals in the province will remain at the Red alert level, which means masks will still be required and general visitors will be prohibited. Eligible patients may receive visits from a Designated Support Person.
Long-term care facilities will continue to follow Public Health guidance, including the wearing of masks and isolating those who are ill.
New Brunswickers are encouraged to manage their personal risks and continue taking preventative measures.
Since announcing that first presumptive case two years ago, New Brunswick has reported more than 41,000 confirmed cases through PCR testing and 316 deaths.
