New Brunswick moves to Level 3 – Increased restrictions, status quo for RCC members
January 14, 2022As expected, due to the impact on the health care system from increasing COVID-19 cases, New Brunswick will move to Level 3 in its COVID-19 Winter Plan, beginning Saturday, January 15, 2022. RCC had been in communication with government officials in the hopes of keeping all RCC members open. However, the increasing COVID-19 case counts made such advocacy very difficult. The move to Level 3 will impact the following RCC members:
- quick service restaurants (QSRs) will be limited to delivery, drive-thru and takeout
- spas, salons and entertainment centres (eg: cinemas) will be closed
It is anticipated that these restrictions will remain in place until the end of January.
Initially, Level 3 was supposed to result in the province’s return to ‘essential’ versus ‘non-essential’ retail. However, following days of communication with government officials, RCC is pleased to report that all retail will remain open. Retailers must continue to follow the same rules they have been following under Level 2 (eg: 50% capacity, enforcement of physical distancing and mask wearing). Retailers are encouraged to offer contactless curbside pickup and remind customers of the benefits in designating one person from the household to go shopping (if feasible) in order to reduce contacts
See updated chart for Level 3 of the Winter Plan.
Government officials warned RCC that inspectors will be increasing their presence in retail stores over the next few weeks. Government expects retailers to enforce COVID-19 rules with retail employees and customers.
For questions or more information contact
Jim Cormier
Director, Government Relations (Atlantic)
jcormier@retailcouncil.org
902 422-4144
