Thought of the Day - October 29 - The Atlantic Bubble

Some info from a friend from Ontario, who has competed the fourteen day quarantine, so can now visit family in the Atlantic Bubble.

Went from New Brunswick to PEI on the weekend and of course had to apply at least 72 hours in advance to get a registration number so I could enter. When I arrived at the border they found my name on the list and asked to see my license. When they noted it was from ON I had to prove that I had been in New Brunswick for more than 2 weeks, so I showed my NB entry papers! Everything is very official and reminiscent of crossing a border in Europe before the EEC.

They had an outbreak here in Moncton and Campbellton New Brunswick, these issues seem to be ongoing. They locked both those zones down and if you had visited either region or met with people from there they wouldn’t let you into the hospital here in Saint John (I was told not to even stop for gas in Moncton!!) There is mandatory mask wearing in stores, restaurants, lobbies, elevators and common spaces; that was not required until about three weeks ago when they outbreak happened in Moncton. (Note: No masks are required anywhere in PEI!!! It was a thrill.) I chuckled to myself when they all panicked over the 17 cases in Moncton on Thanksgiving weekend - in GTA 17 cases would have been a great day ....I guess everything is relative.

I don’t think there are any active cases in the Saint John area but everyone seems to take the virus seriously and are leery of meeting in groups inside.

Gotta' tell you I feel very safe here. Life is almost normal, I have been out to dine-in restaurants and went to a small theatre production last week. The kids are playing hockey etc. etc..

I doubt they will lift the bubble restrictions anytime soon. Maritimers seem quite content keeping others out and are pleased with their success against COVID.

Overall the provinces in the Atlantic Bubble (NB, NFLD, NS & PEI) have seen case and death rates one eighth that of the Canadian average, so they are on the right track.

Cheers

Cliff

P.S. In case you have never been "out east" here is a link that will help you out: https://youtu.be/K2IWafjn9p0