On November 26, Dr. Jennifer Russell and Premier Higgs announced that the Fredericton region, Zone 3, would be rolling back to the orange phase at midnight.
In the orange phase, contact is restricted to a single household bubble, which can include a family member or caregiver from a secondary household. Masks are mandatory in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors, and only essential travel outside of the zone is recommended.
Enforcement of these new restrictions has already resulted in the issuing of tickets and fines across the orange zones.
“We need concerted action and we need it now,” said Russell in a press conference.
This news was paired with the announcement of 12 new cases in New Brunswick, including three in Fredericton, eight in the Saint John region, and one in the Moncton region. All other health zones will remain in the yellow phase.
There are currently 105 active cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick.
As of midnight on Thursday, any individuals entering the province will be required to isolate for 14 days.
Higgs noted concerns specifically around the actions of the “the younger demographic,” urging this group to take the threat seriously and follow the guidelines.
“Let’s not lose it at the end. Be patient, and follow the rules,” said Higgs, hopeful that rolling back to orange will reduce the risk of community transmission.