Canadians from across the country are once again allowed to travel into New Brunswick without isolating, provided they've had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Children who are under 12 and are ineligible for a vaccine can also travel into New Brunswick from outside of Atlantic Canada without needing to isolate provided that the adults that they are travelling with have had at least one dose of a vaccine. The news that New Brunswick was entering Phase 2 of its Path to Green just a day after entering phase 1 and two weeks ahead of schedule came as a surprise to many this week. 
"In these last few days, we have passed two important milestones," said Dr. Russell, Chief Medical Officer of Canada.

Unvaccinated Canadians can also travel to New Brunswick but will be required to isolate for several days and show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. All Atlantic Canadians can now travel into New Brunswick without having to isolate or even show proof of vaccination.  "I know many of you have friends and family from outside of Atlantic Canada that you have not seen in a while who are eager to come here. To facilitate their arrival, please make sure to remind them to register to travel and to bring their registration with them as well as their proof of vaccination," said Premier Blaine Higgs.

Despite the good news for travellers to New Brunswick, the Atlantic bubble isn't opening so seamlessly between the provinces this summer at it did last year, with Nova Scotia and PEI both setting different dates and rules to welcoming Atlantic travellers back this summer, so check each province's visiting guidelines carefully before making travel plans out of New Brunswick. Isolation hotels are now a thing of the past in our province as well, and businesses can now resume operating at full capacity.

"Let's regain more of summer than we thought originally possible by getting our second vaccine.We can begin to make plans for big trips and big events, like weddings and family reunions. When we go Green, it is truly up to you," said Premier Higgs.

At a press conference in Fredericton on Wednesday, Dr. Russell and Premier Higgs were asked if opening up so quickly could be dangerous. Dr. Russell said she expects cases to rise from their current levels but anticipates that hospitalization levels will remain manageable due to the number of people who are vaccinated, both in New Brunswick and among those who will visit. "We do expect to see cases rise, potentially. We are not worried about that so much in the sense that we know that that case number will include a lot of people who are vaccinated and who won't have symptoms or if they do have symptoms they will be mild and won't require hospitalization," said Dr. Russell. 

Premier Higgs said he also hoped to include Maine travellers in phase 2 of re-opening, but this can't be a reality until the federal government opens the US border. An announcement regarding a plan for a phased-in approach to opening the US-Canada border is expected next week. 

The next major milestone on the horizon for New Brunswickers is hitting phase 3 of the re-opening plan, which will require 75% of eligible New Brunswickers to be fully vaccinated. The target for that is August 2nd, New Brunswick Day, but the Premier believes we will be ahead for this goal as well. With the Garcelon Civic Centre in St. Stephen hosting its biggest vaccination clinic yet this coming Monday with 750 people expected to get their second dose, we are well on our way to greener pastures.