With the increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick to 45 on Friday, March 27th, the latest messaging from the Province's Chief Medical Officer of Health called for "physical distancing," notably stronger terminology than the previous "social distancing," to help with the goal to flatten the curve; that is, slow down the rate of the Coronavirus' spread.

Here are some of the recent developments concerning the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic:

* NEW * If you are concerned that you may have caught the virus:
- DO NOT visit a hospital, physician’s office, or healthcare facility without consulting 811 first.
- Due to extreme caller volume, New Brunswickers are reminded to only call Tele-Care 811 IF you experience COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and have travelled internationally in the last 14 days.
- If you are not experiencing symptoms visit www.gnb.ca/coronavirus for more information on how to self-monitor, how you can protect yourself, and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk. The web page will be continuously updated.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada has a toll-free number to answer your questions on COVID-1-833-784-4397.

- Click here for information on the federal economic response, for businesses and for individuals, in relation to this health crisis.

- A phone line and email has been created by the New Brunswick Government for non-health related questions and concerns, including those related to non-compliance with the Provincially-declared State of Emergency. The toll-free number is 1-844-462-8387. It will be answered between 8:30am-4:30pm, seven days a week. The email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (any concerns about workplace safety must be directed to WorksafeNB). Meantime, Peace Officers with the Department of Public Safety are currently conducting compliance-checks of businesses. Violators of the Emergency Measures Act face fines up to a maximum of $10,200.

- The New Brunswick Government, in its ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 inside the province, is now focusing on inter-provincial travelers. Anyone coming into the province is required to immediately self-isolate for 14 days. For more information, click here.

- A reminder from your Village of Salisbury Department of Works and Maintenance that wipes clog pipes! Even so-called “flushable” wipes must NOT be flushed, nor should paper towels. These can clog municipal sewers and foul pumping stations, leading to backups and overflows. Please dispose of wipes and paper towels in the applicable trash.

- The play equipment, specifically, at public playgrounds located in the Village of Salisbury is considered closed to use because of sanitization concerns during this Coronavirus pandemic.

- Officially cancelled is the public hearing previously scheduled for the evening of Thursday, March 26^th concerning the Village of Salisbury’s Intention to Amend the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law. The public hearing will be rescheduled and the process restarted once this public health crisis is resolved and it is safe to do so.

Once again, here are some important links to information concerning:
- the New Brunswick response to COVID-19, including the recent introduction of a new self-assessment tool ( here );
- the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus information page, which also includes the daily case-counts nationally and by province ( here );
- and a global map of the pandemic posted by news agency Reuters ( here ).

In the meantime, continue with PHYSICAL distancing and abiding by government directives during this very difficult time. Only by WORKING TOGETHER APART can we prevent in Canada what’s been happening in other nations ravaged by this Coronavirus.