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https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/11/confusing-covid-messages-from-province.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-task-force-guideline-confusion-1.5809888
Confusing COVID messages from province trouble members of all-party cabinet committee
One committee member says even he is left confused about COVID-19 restrictions after meetings
· CBC News· Posted: Nov 20, 2020 3:02 PM AT
Green Party Leader David Coon says communication about COVID-19 guidelines needs to improve. (Graham Thompson/CBC)
Two party leaders on New Brunswick's all-party cabinet committee on COVID-19 recovery say the clarity of government communication about what people are supposed to do is as poor as it's ever been.
Green Party Leader David Coon said Public Health guidelines are not being made clear to New Brunswickers.
"One of the things that has been plaguing us, in my opinion, is the weakness in our communication," Coon said Friday when all four leaders appeared on Information Morning.
"I think probably the majority of people in the province do not actually understand what the rules are."
Coon said he believes most New Brunswickers want to follow the province's rules, but finding clear explanations of them, in a "concise and compelling way," is not being made easy.
Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, frequently refers people to the government of New Brunswick website, but Coon said it's not an easy site to navigate.
A lot of the information that comes out of these meetings, with the Department of Health and the committee, is like the saying of drinking fire from a water hose- People's Alliance leader Kris Austin
"It's kind of a mishmash to understand what's what, and even what some of the language means," he said.
The communication problem is serious, Coon said, and needs fixing.
He called on the Blaine Higgs government to create a provincewide campaign of information that would reach people through radio and other platforms.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin agreed with Coon, saying even he has been left in the dark at times.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin says he has been left confused by COVID-19 guidlines. (CBC )
"A lot of the information that comes out of these meetings with the Department of Health and the committee is like the saying … 'drinking fire from a water hose,'" said Austin.
"The information changes a lot because it's a fluid situation and, because of that, people are confused. I mean I sit on the committee and, I'll be honest, I leave and have confusion about some of these rules."
Austin said communication directed by Public Health needs to be simplified and as consistent as possible.
More confusion? Higgs gives his take
Russell and the premier have recently delivered inconsistenct information about the Public Health guidelines, the committee members said, pointing to the guidelines for gatherings.
Russell has said New Brunswickers need to find their "safe six," while Higgs appears to have said indoor gatherings of 20 people or under are all right.
Premier Blaine Higgs (Government of New Brunswick)
CBC's Terry Seguin addressed the topic during the interview, asking Higgs what exactly the guideline is.
"It certainly is the limit that's put in a measure that is out there is 20," Higgs said. "I mean her personal recommendation is to keep it smaller than that, get it as small as you can.
"And I would suggest she's right, keep it as small as you can, but we haven't made that a rule, but we've made it a rule that you have to follow multiple bubbles."
"If Public Health wanted to put that in the final rule, we'll certainly look at doing that. That can be confusing, I understand."
Higgs said gatherings of 20 are allowed in zones in the yellow phase, but the Moncton region's move back into orange forces people to limit gatherings to family-only, with six being a reasonable number.
Roger Melanson, Interim leader of the Official Opposition, says Orange Phase should be taken seriously. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Orange phase should be warning sign
Roger Melanson, the interim leader of the Official Opposition, urged New Brunswickers to see Moncton entering phase orange for the second time in a month as a wakeup call.
"The virus doesn't care who you are or where you live or what your actions are. It's here and anyone can get infected and certainly infect others."
He stressed the importance of following the one-bubble household rule in Moncton and staying at home if possible.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, and Premier Blaine Higgs will hold a COVID-19 briefing Friday afternoon at 3:30. (Government of New Brunswick file photo)
The committee has also been working on the issue of essential workers travelling in and out of the province who initially were not required to self-isolate for 14 days like other New Brunswick travellers.
Weeks ago, the province modified the quarantine required for people coming home after working elsewhere in Canada, telling them they could self-monitor for up to 14 days so long as they agreed to receive three COVID-19 tests in that period.
Higgs said his government was forced to tighten the rule again, however, because some workers weren't following the less-harsh guidelines.
He said certain workers made contact with 30 to 40 people after receiving one negative COVID-19 test in the early days of their return home, only to develop symptoms days later.
"We needed to tighten it down further, that became evident," said Higgs. "We've been trying to work with this and keep people moving as much as normal, but it wasn't working."
Higgs said he still expects to see some repercussions from people not following the less-harsh restrictions.
With files from Information Morning Fredericton
You are being more than generous, to me it appears to be a hybrid situation, a mating (or meeting) of Monty Python and the Gong show.
COVID-19 'superspreaders' contributed to Saint John outbreak, says medical officer
About 300 people self-isolating, 'many' of them health-care workers
· CBC News· Posted: Nov 20, 2020 7:48 PM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health for the province, said the Saint John region is seeing COVID-19 transmission in community settings, including recreational facilities, health-care and long-term care institutions. (CBC)
A COVID-19 "superspreader" event contributed to a doubling of confirmed cases in the Saint John health region within a day, says the province's chief medical officer of health.
And there are some "superspreaders" involved in some of the 14 cases now in the region, Zone 2, with the seven new cases announced on Friday, said Dr. Jennifer Russell.
Public Health and the federal Department of Health don't define superspreader, but it's "a person who transmits an infectious disease or agent to an unexpectedly or unusually large number of other people," according to the Oxford dictionary.
Being at the peak of infectiousness and performing an activity, such as talking, singing or breathing heavily from exercise in a poorly ventilated, crowded space for a prolonged period, can contribute to superspreader events, according to infectious disease specialists.
About 300 people in Saint John are self-isolating.
"Many" of them are health-care workers, although Russell said she couldn't say how many during a news conference in Fredericton, when she announced the region will be bumped back to the stricter orange phase of COVID-19 recovery, as of midnight.
She also didn't reveal where the health-care workers are employed, but an outbreak has been declared at Shannex Tucker Hall, a 90-bed nursing home in the city's north end, after a single case was confirmed on Thursday.
Shannex confirmed on its website that it is an employee who tested positive but did not say whether it is a health-care worker.
"We have no other active cases of COVID-19 at this time," the notice states.
More than 400 residents and staff from Tucker Hall and the other nearby Shannex facility, Parkland Saint John, were expected to be tested Friday and contact tracing is underway, Russell told reporters.
"We are expecting more cases to pop up," she said.
"With the contact tracing that we've done and the type of contacts that we have found and those people who are self-isolating as a result, we expect many of them to become positive."
Return to red level possible
Premier Blaine Higgs warned he may need to move the region to the most restrictive red level "if we can't get the numbers under control quickly."
The Moncton health region, Zone 1, had 24 confirmed cases when it was rolled back to the orange level on Thursday and 21 cases when it previously returned to orange in October.
Although Saint John's case count is lower, Russell said the same triggers have been met. Those include a doubling of cases within six days, a certain number of health-care workers being involved, and the fact that people have not been following public health protocols, such as wearing a mask, maintaining a physical distance of two metres and keeping their close contact numbers low.
The health system is at risk and keeping people safe is at risk and lives are at risk.
- Blaine Higgs, premier
"This is a virus that spreads exponentially if left unchecked," she said.
If the current 14 cases double each day, cases would hit nearly 500 in less than a week.
Of those, 20 per cent would be "very ill," 15 per cent would require hospitalization, five per cent would require intensive care, and "a certain percentage" of those will die, said Russell.
"So we know the math, we know the modelling, and we know how important it is that everybody do what they need to do immediately to get this under control so we can go back to the yellow phase as soon as possible," she said.
Higgs urged all New Brunswickers to take the situation seriously.
"We have seen areas where there have been fundraisers, social events, household and other gatherings with way too many people, no social distancing and no face masks," he said.
"Too often people are gathering with one group at one night and completely a different group another night. This has led to the situation we are currently in."
Enforcement will be stepped up in the Saint John and Moncton regions, Higgs said.
Police officers, peace officers with the Department of Justice and Public Safety, Public Health inspectors and WorkSafeNB inspectors are in both regions to make sure the rules are being followed. People who refuse to comply with provisions of the mandatory order will face penalties.
"We will never catch everyone, nor will we try," Higgs said. "But we really want people to pay attention and help us here because the health system is at risk and keeping people safe is at risk and lives are at risk."
Saint John EMO activated
The City of Saint John has activated its Emergency Management Organization. EMO continues to monitor the situation and follow the province's advice and recommendations, it said in a news release.
Mayor Don Darling said he has been pleased with the "immediate and proactive action" taken by the community over the past few days, and the "support and understanding from residents."
"Now is the time to show how resilient we are, and how we can work together in the best interest of our community," he said in a statement.
"We have seen other areas of our province successfully move in and back out of the orange phase and we know we can do the same."
Darling encouraged residents to protect their mental well-being as well as their physical well-being by getting fresh air and exercise whenever possible, maintaining virtual connections, and checking in on neighbours, family and friends.
More possible exposures
Public Health announced three additional potential public exposures in Saint John on Friday:
- At Rocky's Sports Bar, 7 Market Square, between 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 14 and between 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 1:30 a.m. on Nov.15. (The bar had posted its own advisory on social media on Thursday.)
- At Big Tide Brewing Company, 47 Princess St., on Nov. 16, between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- At Java Moose, 84 Prince William St., on Nov. 16, between 2 p.m and 2:30 p.m.
People who visited these locations during these periods should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days afterward, the estimated incubation period for the respiratory disease.
If symptoms develop, they should self-isolate and take a self-assessment test online or call Tele-Care 811 to get tested.
Water Street Dinner Theatre posted its own advisory on Facebook, saying it was advised Thursday afternoon that someone who attended the Nov. 13 production "recently" tested positive for COVID-19.
"As a precautionary measure we have discontinued operations for 14 days at the direction of the department of public health," and cancelled performances scheduled for Nov. 20, 21 and 27, with hopes of resuming operations on Nov. 28, it said.
"We are working closely with public health officials to ensure that all guests in attendance that evening are notified of the possible exposure."
On Thursday, Public Health advised anyone who visited the Five and Dime Bar, at 34 Grannan St., between 12:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 14, or Freddie's Pizza, at 27 Charlotte St., between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m., to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
The Saint John Sea Dogs also announced a staff member tested positive, resulting in at least five hockey games being postponed.
The infected individual, who had not travelled outside the Atlantic bubble since before Aug. 30, is sick and in isolation, the organization said in a news release Friday.
No one else has tested positive, but testing is ongoing, the release said.
All players are in confinement as well as "the majority" of staff.
2 nursing homes close to visitors
Two Saint John nursing homes — Loch Lomond Villa and Rocmaura Nursing Home — announced Friday they have closed to visitors as a precaution until further notice.
In a Facebook post, Loch Lomond CEO Cindy Donovan cited concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in the Moncton area and "a number of possible exposures" in the Saint John region.
"Please understand that this decision was not made lightly," she wrote. "We hope these restrictions will be short-lived, but due to the vulnerability of your loved ones, we must do everything we can to keep COVID-19 out of our home."
Virtual visits will still be possible via Zoom or FaceTime in the interim, she added.
Rocmaura's executive director Sheana Mohra cited "the evolving situation in our province and our region" for the decision and thanked everyone for their support.
New cases
The seven new cases in the Saint John region include:
- One person aged 20 to 29.
- Three people aged 40 to 49.
- One person aged 50 to 59.
- One person aged 60 to 69.
- One person 70 to 79.
Two new cases were also confirmed in Moncton Friday — one person under 19 and one person aged 20 to 29.
New Brunswick has a total of 51 active cases. One person is in hospital.
Symptoms to watch for
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included:
A fever above 38 C.
A new cough or worsening chronic cough.
Sore throat.
Runny nose.
Headache.
New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell.
Difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
Do you really *think* they will tell you, having to admit to one and all, that their measures are really ineffective and faulty?
PURE.
GENIUS.
Maybe, once he puts his mind to it, he will decide to do it, 6-10 weeks later.
The claim is 300+ off work (?), fresh air inspecting, are we expected to suck it up, or will there be a penalty imposed for these actions?
Otherwise there is very simply no point to the rest of us being careful.
No Buford T Justice, it seems that following the rules, like a good little dog, doing my best to play the game, while others don't , is becoming my penalty.
Each and every time I find myself wearing a mask, avoiding people I feel like talking to, and limiting my travel, I am starting to be getting annoyed, very annoyed. Very soon now that feeling of being annoyed will be replaced by anger. I do not *think* I am alone in this, and Buford, your hero Blame Higgs does not want an angry public, trust me.
New Brunswick reports 23 cases of COVID-19, new single-day record
Briefing follows 'superspreader' event in Saint John region
· CBC News· Posted: Nov 21, 2020 11:58 AM AT
New Brunswick officials provide update on COVID-19 after moving Moncton, Saint John regions back to orange phase. 0:00
New Brunswick officials announced 23 cases of COVID-19 in the province Saturday, setting a new single-day high since the start of the pandemic.
The new cases include 16 in the Saint John region (Zone 2), and six in the Moncton region (Zone 1) and one in the Fredericton region (Zone 3).
There are now 71 active cases in the province. One person is in the hospital related to the virus.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer, said New Brunswickers are facing a situation which can quickly turn "serious" without immediate action.
"We need a renewed commitment to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we need it now," she said.
The uptick in new cases is the most since Oct. 20, when officials reported 20 new cases as the Campbellton region grappled with an outbreak.
Both the Moncton region (Zone 1) and the Saint John region (Zone 2) were rolled back to tighter restrictions under the orange recovery phase this week.
Entire province could go orange
Premier Blaine Higgs indicated the entire province could move to orange-level restrictions if the rise in cases continues.
He said the current increase is a "reality check" that the virus exists in the province.
"We are now in our own bubble in New Brunswick," he said. "And that bubble is about to burst."
Nine new cases were announced on Friday, including seven in the Saint John region.
Public Health also declared an outbreak at Shannex Tucker Hall, a nursing home in Saint John.
Higgs said he is saddened by the possibility of failing in efforts to contain the virus "at the last minute."
"The threat we have in front of us right now is the entire province could go to orange phase," he said.
Health Minister Dorothy Shepherd urged New Brunswickers to report COVID-19 rule-breakers through the province's tip line.
She said if efforts to contain the virus don't improve, regions could see tighter restrictions.
"If we don't change our behaviours and our actions today, as of this minute, that is where we are headed," Shepherd said.
Return to red level possible
Higgs warned Friday that if people don't reduce gatherings and follow Public Health rules, they could see further restrictions.
There are "at least" 600 people self-isolating in New Brunswick, including about 300 in the Saint John region, Russell said Friday.
She said a COVID-19 "superspreader" event contributed to doubling the number of confirmed cases in that region within a day.
Saint John, Moncton under tighter restrictions
New Brunswickers are advised to avoid all non-essential travel in and out of the orange zones.
Police officers, peace officers and Public Health inspectors will be in Zones 1 and 2 to monitor orange rules and issue fines as needed.
Residents of the Saint John and Moncton regions are now required to maintain single-household bubbles. This can be extended to caregivers or an immediate family member who lives alone and needs support.
Masks are also mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public places in the orange zones.
Close-contact personal services and entertainment venues can remain open under operational plans.
Potential public exposure has been announced at Saint John restaurants, bars, and a dinner theatre.
Vito's Restaurant announced on Facebook that an employee at its Rothesay Avenue location has tested positive for COVID-19.
The location is closed until further notice and is undergoing cleaning.
To all our valued customers and friends,
An employee at our Rothesay Avenue location has tested positive for Covid 19. This staff member worked Tuesday, Nov. 17th and Wednesday, Nov. 18th. We want to assure our customers that all staff have been following all guidelines set in our Operational Safe Work Plan.
We currently have not heard from Public Health, however we want to be proactive in notifying all of our customers. We will be implementing our stringent cleaning policies, however we will be closing the Rothesay Avenue location in East Saint John, effective immediately until further notice. Our Uptown and KV locations will remain open at this time.
The safety of our staff and customers is of the utmost importance. We have asked our staff to follow Public Health protocols and contact 8-1-1 for information. We will be in close contact with Public Health, and as we are provided more information, we will continue to share more updates.
We appreciate your patience and support during these challenging times.
Take care of yourselves and one another and if you have any symptoms please call 8-1-1.
Gatherings in orange phase
The province also rolled out new rules for gatherings:
Residents must stay within a single-household bubble.
No informal indoor gatherings beyond this single household bubble are permitted.
Outdoor gatherings with physical distancing of 25 people or fewer are permitted.
Formal gatherings of up to 25 people allowed for weddings, funerals and faith-based services.
Faith venues may hold services with up to 50 people, but masks are mandatory.
Restaurant dining rooms can remain open, but a single-household bubble must be maintained.
A full list of the rules under the orange phase is on the government's website.
Premier Blaine Higgs and Public Health announced on Friday that Saint John is returning to the orange phase of recovery. 3:45
What to do if you have a symptom
People concerned they might have COVID-19 symptoms can take a self-assessment test online.
Public Health says symptoms shown by people with COVID-19 have included:
A fever above 38 C.
A new cough or worsening chronic cough.
Sore throat.
Runny nose.
Headache.
New onset of fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell.
Difficulty breathing.
In children, symptoms have also included purple markings on the fingers and toes.
People with one of those symptoms should:
Stay at home.
Call Tele-Care 811 or their doctor.
Describe symptoms and travel history.
Follow instructions.
About the Author
369 Comments
What's a voter to do? No matter who you pick the outcome is stupid.
If you printed up T shirts: "I voted for stupid" they would be universal.
People who value individual rights over the good of society causing all sorts of chaos and their refusal to go along with recommended actions driving numbers and death and prolonging restrictions
This is a health care crisis not the guise of one
The guise of one would be nice So many people would be alive who are not
Have you ever considered how much everyone who posts like you sounds the same and thus you might be in the ...
BC was once in that position but months of valuing the economy over stepping back when numbers were closer to these really was an error.
The Atlantic Bubble gets mentioned in international press so does that until late summer BC had an enviable track record and now look?
There's a reason our Premier wanted to secure his majority well before now sigh
Defcon 1
For those of us who have no need of antivirus software (Linux), after supper we P on the wires a little bit to get an extra kb/sec, or two, keeps the covid at bay.
Anti-pandemic minimizers doesn't exactly have the same ring to it though
*Crickets*
Please find another hobby. Maybe you could pick up an extra part time job or something.
Plus govts already looking to save money are in some places looking to make the not enough to live on even worse
The cost of this pandemic is massive so the worst off will be those who cannot work as those on social assistance who can have options but govt prone to forget those on fixed incomes will just carry on with that as it's hard to get re-elected if you raise taxes.
Populations largely invisible to society at large are badly impacted .
I'd love to be able to work.
It has everything to do with Mr Higgs. He has been bumbling about for the past month, as cases have climbed outside of the province, yet no travel restrictions, and fully maintaining exceptions to isolation. Thank you Mr Higgs your planning and forethought are impeccable.
That's what free speech is for, and freedom. If you view something as a scourge you are not required to participate in it, but oppression is when YOUR view of something as a scourge removes MY freedom to choose.
Here are the potential COVID-19 exposure sites in New Brunswick
CBC News has compiled a list of active exposure notices in the province
CBC News· Posted: Nov 21, 2020 12:52 PM AT
New Brunswick Public Health has announced possible exposure to COVID-19 and facilities in Moncton and Saint John, including gyms, stores, bars, restaurants and on flights. (The Canadian Press/NIAID-RML via AP)
New Brunswick Public Health has announced possible exposure to COVID-19 at locations in Moncton and Saint John, including gyms, stores, bars, restaurants and on flights.
Anyone who visited the following businesses during the identified times should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
Should any COVID-19 symptoms develop they are directed to self-isolate and take the self-assessment online to schedule a test.
Moncton
Fit 4 Less at 165 Main St. on Nov. 6-12, at various times between 5 p.m. and midnight. See the full list on the Public Health website.
GoodLife Fitness at Moncton Junction Village Gym on Nov. 6, between 8-9:30 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Potential public exposure was also reported on Nov. 9, between 8:30-10 p.m.
Aldo Shoes at Moncton Champlain Mall on Nov. 6-10 at various times between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
CEPS Louis-J. Robichaud fitness room at 40 Antonine-Maillet Ave on Nov. 6, 9, 10 and 12 at various times in the evening from 5:15-7:30 p.m.
Tandoori Zaika Cuisine and Bar at 196 Robinson St. on Nov. 8, between 1-2 a.m.
Keg Steakhouse and Bar at 576 Main St. on Nov. 17, between 7:45-8:30 p.m.
Flights into Moncton:
Air Canada Flight 8954 on Nov. 15 from Winnipeg to Toronto, arrived at 8:16 p.m.
Air Canada Flight 8918 on Nov. 15 from Toronto to Moncton, arrived at 11:43 p.m.
Air Canada Flight 0992 on Nov. 7 from Mexico City to Toronto, arrived at 7:20 p.m.
Air Canada Flight 8918 on Nov. 7 from Toronto to Moncton, arrived at 11:43 p.m.
Saint John
Five and Dime Bar at 34 Granna St. on Nov. 14, between 12:30 to 2:30 a.m
Freddie's Pizza at 27 Charlotte St. on Nov. 14, between 2:30 to 3 a.m.
Big Tide Brewing Company at 47 Princess St. on Nov. 16, between 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Java Moose at 84 Prince William St. Nov. 16, between 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Rocky's Sports Bar at 7 Market Square on Nov. 13, between 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Potential public exposure was also reported on Nov. 14 between 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m.
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26 Comments
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Methinks you must have been very busy baking many butter tarts for your buddy Cardy and the other clowns to consume as they watch this weekend's events put their ring master Higgy's fancy blue knickers in quite a knot N'esy Pas??
Al Clark