New Brunswick’s information line was flooded with questions and concerns over the weekend.
Premier Blaine Higgs says there’s confusion around the recently loosened restrictions and that a number of violations were reported.
“Law enforcement are following up on any report we receive about potential violations of the rules. Peace officers are focusing on
Higgs says issuing tickets is a last resort but they’ll continue to do so as long as people break the rules
He says a total of 77 tickets have been issued since the state of emergency was declared, 22 just in the past week.
Higgs also provided some clarifications around the new ‘two household bubble’ rule.
“Now, under our phase recovery plan, you’re allowed to spend time with one other New Brunswick household. That doesn’t mean every member of your family, this means one other household. Each home must mutually agree to only spend time with one another,” he says.
Both Higgs and the province’s chief medical officer were disappointed to hear of mass gatherings over the weekend.
The premier says if residents don’t comply , they’ll be forced to tighten restrictions
Higgs added that wearing a non-medical may become mandatory.
Blaine Higgs says they are holding back on the decision at this point to give residents the opportunity to acquire one.
“In the next 2 to 4 weeks it could become mandatory. We are recommending that people wear non-medical face masks, also referred to as community face masks. These types of masks are available in stores and online. You can also wear a home made mask, as long as it fits tightly to your face,” Higgs says.
He says a face covering would be required when a physical distance of 2 metres can’t be maintained.
