How New Brunswick Curbed the Spread of COVID-19

New Brunswick has been successful at curbing the spread of COVID-19. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Russell believes New Brunswick has been successful at flattening the curve for a number of reasons. 

"I think there are multiple factors contributing to New Brunswick's success," said Dr. Russell. "From a Public Health perspective, having really clear and timely communication that the public is able to understand and make good decisions around that are really useul. Having the support of the government -- an all-party cabinet committee -- this is unique in Canada, so you don't have the divisiveness of politics getting in the way and distracting from the message to the public. That unified message is very helpful. Having the task force to align the RHAs and nursing homes has been important. Having strong Public Health teams in place. Having good emergency response teams from across the government of New Brunswick whether it's health to EMO. It's an all-ofo-government approach. To have the cooperation and trust of the public is also so important."

While New Brunswick has been successful at curbing the spread of COVID-19, Campobello Island is still facing challenges due to tightened restrictions at the border. The island is currently only accessible to the mainland via a bridge through Lubec, Maine. 

Justin Tinker, Chair of Accessible Campobello, is working tirelessly to collaborate with the provincial and federal governments to hopefully secure a year-round ferry to Campobello Island. Campobello is the only island in New Brunswick that currently does not have a year-round transportation link to the rest of the province. 

"The borders have been tightened to permit only essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drawn more attention to the need for a year-round ferry," says Tinker. "Hopefully the current situation will bring national attention to an issue that Campobello is always facing -- a lack of access to the rest of the province and mainland for 9 months out of 12 when the seasonal ferry isn't running.