New Brunswick is tightening its Winter Plan in the fight against the COVID-19 Omicron variant. In effort to limit contacts, the entire province will go to Level 3 from 11:59pm Jan. 14th until the end of day on Jan. 30th.
This new level includes: a continuation of at-home schooling; reverting to single household bubbles; no public gatherings; limiting retail establishments to 50 per cent capacity; shutting down gyms, entertainment centres and salons; shutting down team sports; and pushing church services online or outdoors/in-vehicle. Full details can be found at this link: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2022.01.0019.html
The mask mandate continues for indoor public spaces in New Brunswick, as well as outdoor public spaces in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
The Village of Salisbury Office remains open for business; however, in keeping with NB Public Health guidelines, masks must be worn. Also, because of physical distancing requirements only one customer (or from the same single household bubble) is permitted to be at the front counter at a time, requiring those waiting to either be out in the hall or outdoors during particularly busy times. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
Meantime, the Province of New Brunswick has announced a third phase of its NB Small Business Recovery Grant program from Jan. 24th to the end of February. Eligible businesses can received a one-time grant of up to $10,000. To apply: https://onbcanada.ca/covid-19/
In its Jan. 13th update, NB Public Health reported four deaths and 104 active hospitalizations due to COVID-19, including nine patients in intensive-care.