'Province introduces more guidelines'
New Brunswick has revised its protocols for self-isolation and work-isolation within the province.
“Travel into New Brunswick is now further restricted and will be permitted only for work, medical reasons, retrieving essential supplies for the communities of Pointe-à-la-Croix and Listuguj First Nation in Québec, child custody or compassionate reasons if approved by Public Health,” according to the government.
Under the new rules, the following are now required to take a 14-day self-isolation:
- NB resident returning to NB from post-secondary education or unnecessary domestic travel
- NB resident returning to NB after working in another jurisdiction (not returning to workplace) (Individual can be released from isolation with a negative test on day 7 and day 10-12)
- Individuals moving to the province
- International travellers coming into the province (including temporary foreign workers, international students, workers)
- Canadians coming to a NB post-secondary institution or a school setting
Meanwhile, the following are required to take on a 14-day work-isolation:
- NB resident returning to a New Brunswick workplace after working in another jurisdiction (Individual can be released from isolation with a negative test on day 7 and 10-12)
- NB resident returning to NB after medical care in another province (Individual can be released from isolation with a negative test on day 7 and 10-12)
- Non-resident of NB coming to work in NB (Option for day 7 test but must complete 14-day work isolation)
“Individuals in work isolation must travel to and from their destination without making any additional stops. They must wear a mask at all times in public and stay in their household bubble,” according to the government.
On the other hand, weekly testing is available to, but isolation is not required for, the following:
- Operators of commercial air, rail, marine and trucks
- Residents of Campobello Island
- Regular cross border commuters
- Cross border child custody/care (Weekly mandatory testing)
In October 2020, Prince Edward Island allowed residents who travel outside the Atlantic Bubble to “work isolate” once they return home.
In June that same year, COS chatted with Laurie Knape, HSE Professional with Avetta, on how workplaces can successfully implement testing, tracing and isolating as a means to track and contain the spread of COVID-19.
COS also spoke with Victoria DeBoon, director of sales at SAP Concur Canada, about how business travel has changed with COVID-19, and what are current best practices that employers should be looking into to address employee concerns.
