Additional information regarding mandatory masks in New Brunswick and some retail closures as result of move to Orange Level

Following the announcement on Wednesday that the province had experienced a COVID-19 outbreak (at this time, up to 24 cases from 0 cases), the government has taken the following actions:

Mandatory mask requirement

The government of New Brunswick announced that masks would be made mandatory as of midnight on October 9, 2020. 

The government has provided the additional clarification that face masks are required in indoor public spaces. Exceptions are made for children under 2 years of age, people with medical conditions which prevent them from wearing a mask, and when people are eating or drinking.

Retailers are expected to make best efforts in enforcing the mask requirements including not permitting customers wearing a mask or face covering to enter a retail store, asking the mask-less customer to leave, or contacting law enforcement to have the mask-less customer removed. However, retailers are not expected to ask for a medical note if a customer states that they are exempt from wearing a mask for medical reasons. In-store signage is recommended and examples can be found on the province’s resource page.

This is a different approach from the mask mandate in Nova Scotia where retailers need to ask customers to wear a mask, but are not required to engage if the customer refuses.

Some retail closures as province moves back to Orange Level in zones 1 and 5

For months, the entire province has been in Yellow Level in its COVID-19 reopening plan, which meant that all businesses were open, with some restrictions. As of midnight October 10, Zone 1 (Moncton region) and Zone 5 (Campbellton region) will move back Orange Level, which means that businesses such as spas, hair salons, gyms, cinemas and amusement centres must close. In addition, the Orange Level means that no organized sports are allowed and both indoor and outdoor gatherings must be limited to 10 people or less. View announcement.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Jim Cormier, Director (Atlantic) at jcormier@retailcouncil.org or 902-422-4144.