NBMS supports circuit breaker measures to slow COVID-19 spread

The New Brunswick Medical Society supports the “circuit breaker” measures announced by the provincial government yesterday to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our health-care system. We also support government asking all New Brunswickers to limit their contacts to their household over the coming long weekend. 

These are difficult steps to take that are undoubtedly frustrating and disheartening for all New Brunswickers. However, physicians strongly believe that these are necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent further strain on our health system. Presently, 50 people are hospitalized due to the virus, with 23 patients in intensive care units. Our health system does not have the human resources or hospital space to take on this surge of patients without drastically reducing services elsewhere. 

We have a responsibility to protect the population, especially our unvaccinated children and immunocompromised New Brunswickers. 

We ask all New Brunswickers to continue to do their part to curb the spread of COVID-19. Please get fully vaccinated if you have not done so. It is our best protection against the virus. When combined with masking in public spaces, good hygiene, and other Public Health measures, vaccines can dramatically slow the spread of the virus. 

By working together, we can get through this difficult phase as we have previous challenges. 

Dr. Mark MacMillan, FRCPC 
President, New Brunswick Medical Society