On Thursday, March 25, 2021, the Province issued a revised Mandatory Order to reflect the transition of Edmundston and the Madawaska Region back to the Red Phase of Recovery. The Red Phase requirements are consistent with those in place during the previous Red Phase in Zone 4 earlier this year.
On Friday, March 26, 2021, the Province issued another revised Mandatory Order making changes to the requirements applicable to rotational workers.
Who qualifies as a rotational worker?
Rotational Workers are defined as New Brunswick residents, who travel in and out of New Brunswick and another Province of Territory, rotationally for work on a set schedule of time away at work alternating with time at home in New Brunswick.
A new exception to 14 day isolation requirement
Rotational workers, as defined above, are now able to leave their 14 day self-isolation upon meeting two criteria:
They must demonstrate they have received a dose of vaccine against COVID-19 more than 14 days prior to their return to New Brunswick. As the order specifically notes “a dose”, it appears that receiving a single does of a vaccine will be sufficient to meet this exception.
They must agree to be tested for COVID-19 on day 5 to 7 and day 10 to 12 after their arrival and test negative for COVID-19 on both occasions. Should a rotational worker fail to have their test at day 5 to 7 or day 10 to 12, they forfeit their exemption from self-isolation.
What is considered proof of vaccination?
A hard copy or electronic document issued by a national, provincial or territorial authority or their agent will count as “proof” of vaccination. The document must bear the name and personal identifying information of the rotational worker and must also match the rotational worker’s travel registration.
What if a rotational worker does not have proof of vaccination 14 days prior to their return?
These rotational workers must still isolate for 14 days upon their return to New Brunswick. However, they are now also required to be tested for COVID-19 on day 10 to 12 after their return.