New Brunswickers may have succeeded in flattening the curve, but the province’s chief medical officer says keeping it flat will require continued vigilance.
Dr. Jennifer Russell says all 118 cases have recovered, an achievement matched by very few jurisdictions around the world.
That’s why chief medical officer, Dr. Jennifer Russell says maintaining controls on the province’s borders will limit the spread of the virus.
“The requirement for two weeks of self-isolation for those arriving in the province remains in effect and is extremely critical at this point in time as we start opening things up in the days and weeks ahead,” she says.
But even with these controls, Russell says it is likely that there will be more cases.
She says continued success will be measured by how we respond to new outbreaks if they happen.
Russell says she has no doubt residents will be able to take the same care and energy put into flattening the curve, and direct it toward the province’s recovery.
“The health of our population is about much more than a single disease or outbreak. Our health is also intimately linked to our economy, the ability to socialize with friends and family and the ability to do rewarding work,” Russell says.
She says New Brunswickers must continue to stay at home, practise physical distancing, and wash their hands frequently to help slow the spread of the virus.
Russell says while it remains important to take care of ourselves physically during this pandemic, it’s just as important to take care of ourselves mentally.
Dr. Jennifer Russell says we will all continue to experience stress and grief related to the pandemic, and it’s okay to feel that way.
This is Mental Health Week in Canada, but Russell says looking after your mental health is important every week.
“This is part of our new normal and please don’t pretend these feelings aren’t real. Reach out to others to share your feelings and remember help is always available if you need it,” she says.
The province has compiled a list of mental health support resources, it can be found here.
