NBMS supports moving to Level 3

The New Brunswick Medical Society supports the provincial government’s decision to move to level three of their winter plan for the remainder of January in order to manage the spread of COVID-19 and protect our health-care system. While we appreciate that these measures are challenging and have serious consequences for New Brunswickers, we ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we weather the worst phase of the pandemic so far.

With a record 104 New Brunswickers currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and hundreds of physicians and health-care workers in isolation, the strain on our health-care system has become untenable. The restrictions outlined in level three are essential to slowing the dramatic increase in case numbers and hospitalizations, and will help ensure we are able to continue providing critical care to patients who need it most.

We are depending on all New Brunswickers to do whatever they can to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, now is the time to book your first, second or booster dose as appropriate. Vaccination remains our best defense against the virus, and when combined with limiting contacts, wearing a properly fitted mask and practicing physical distancing, it can significantly slow the spread of the virus.

These next few weeks will be the most challenging of the pandemic so far. However, by working together, reducing our contacts and following public health guidelines, we will persevere as we have throughout the rest of the pandemic.

Dr. Mark MacMillan
President, New Brunswick Medical Society