At a press conference in Fredericton on Friday, September 24, 2021, Premier Blaine Higgs announced that, due the current level of COVID-19 hospitalizations, a state of emergency is being reinstated and a mandatory order will come into effect as of midnight that same night. 

“It is unfortunate to return to a state of emergency, however it is necessary,” said Higgs. “Our province must take these steps now. We need to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the number of hospitalizations does not continue to rise.”

The following additional measures will be implemented under the mandatory order: People must limit their contacts to their household plus 20 consistent contacts. Indoor private gatherings will be limited to 20 consistent contacts. There will be no limits on outdoor gatherings, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Businesses and events where people gather or exercise, including museums, cinemas, theatres, bingo halls, casinos, amusement centres, arenas, game rooms, pools halls, live entertainment venues, weddings, funerals, gyms, yoga studios and similar venues must ensure all employees are fully vaccinated or are continuously masked and tested regularly. Patrons and participants entering such events remain required to be fully vaccinated. Physical distancing is required at businesses, services or events where proof of vaccination is not required, such as grocery and retail stores, private businesses and libraries. Faith venues have the option to either ensure all participants show proof of full vaccination, or implement the following measures: operate at 50 per cent capacity; maintain physical distancing; ensure continuous mask use; record names of all attendees or have assigned seating; eliminate singing from services; and prevent anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms and those who have been instructed to self-isolate from entering.

“Right now, our government’s top concern is the impact COVID-19 will have on New Brunswick’s health-care system if this fourth wave continues its current trajectory,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “If our hospitals become overwhelmed it will impact all New Brunswickers, as we would need to cut back on other health-care services, including regular appointments and routine surgeries.”

Compliance officers will also be doing spot checks at borders and at businesses and will be giving out fines ranging from $480 to $20,400 to businesses or individuals who are not complying with the rules. 

The government will review the mandatory order every two weeks to determine whether or not it needs to be renewed, which will be decided based on the number of hospitalizations. Once the number of hospitalizations falls to 10 or fewer, the mandatory order will be lifted, and New Brunswick will return to public health measures. It will be reinstated if 25 or more people are hospitalized.

Dr. Russell announced that three more New Brunswickers have died as a result of COVID-19.

“Each of these individuals has family and friends who are now mourning their loved ones,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “I join all New Brunswickers in sharing my heartfelt sympathies with everyone who has been impacted by these tragic losses.”