Chief Medical Officer of New Brunswick, Dr. Jennifer Russell, sat down with CHCO-TV News Director Vicki Hogarth to discuss the 'Drive to 75', international travel and New Brunswick's reopening plan. 

With the current vaccination status of New Brunswick residents at 72.8%, the easing of restrictions and regulations are soon approaching. For Canadians and permanent residents, if vaccination rates reach 75% by July 1st, then cross-border and international travel will be attainable for those fully vaccinated.  “I think that every resident in New Brunswick really needs to help their family and friends and colleagues get vaccinated”, says Dr. Russell. “Whether it's helping them with their online appointment, helping them get a ride there or having a sit-down conversation about the benefits of getting vaccinated”.

However, with increased travel access, it is within reasonable expectations that New Brunswick will face further exposure to the virus and its variants. Dr. Russell expresses the importance of protecting one another through these transitions by getting vaccinated, and, in order to ensure a smooth transition and the maintenance of low hospitalization rates, the cooperation of the public to get vaccinated is essential. “I think the most important thing that people need to realize is that we in NB have been so privileged,” explains Dr. Russell, “we have to really make sure that people understand that, yes, we have done so well thus far, but in order for us to maintain that success, vaccines are the key”.

In regards to hotel isolation, Dr. Russell informs us that, at a federal level, this requirement will be removed, and that, in time, New Brunswick will follow suit. There is hesitation, however, due to the knowledge that individuals cannot just become infected or reinfected, but that there remains a possibility to “be infected with two different variants at the same time”. With the overall increased risk that travel brings in current times, concerns and regulations cannot be dismissed entirely. Phase one, the first step towards returning to normal, will be effective whilst remaining cautious to the risks of our environment as soon as the vaccination rates reach 75%..