FREDERICTON (GNB) – A rise in COVID-19 cases in Avignon Municipal Regional County in Quebec has prompted the provincial government to limit day trips from that region to only residents of the Listuguj First Nation and Pointe-à-la-Croix near Campbellton. The new rule goes into effect at noon on Friday, Sept. 25.

Travel for non-essential purposes from elsewhere in Avignon is no longer permitted. Travel for work, medical care or child care/custody continues to be permitted.

“The recent rise of confirmed cases and a change in the alert status in the Avignon Municipal Regional County has prompted this action,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “There are currently no confirmed cases in Listuguj First Nation or Pointe-à-la-Croix. We have worked with the leadership in both of those communities and they are taking precautions on their side. They will be taking steps to work with New Brunswick so that their residents limit their travel to their own communities and to the Campbellton region as much as possible so that we can continue to keep this area open.”

People entering from Listuguj First Nation and Pointe-à-la-Croix for day trips must continue to:

• pre-register through www.gnb.ca/TravelRegistration;
• prove residency in an Atlantic Province, Listuguj First Nation or Pointe-à-la Croix, Que.;
• attest that they are free of COVID-19 symptoms; and
• attest they have not travelled outside their communities, except into an Atlantic province, over the previous 14 days.

More information on travel registration and required documentation is available on the province’s Travel Information page.

All previously approved registrations to and from Avignon Municipal Regional County for non-essential single trips and multi-day registrations are no longer valid as of noon on Friday, Sept. 25. This includes Listuguj First Nation or Pointe-à-la Croix, except for multi-day registrations approved for the transportation of elementary and secondary students and those issued for work, medical care and childcare/child custody.

Unless exempt, individuals who travel to or from other communities of Avignon, and are eligible to enter New Brunswick, are once again required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

Travellers entering New Brunswick at Campbellton may experience delays due to health and registration screening.

“Cabinet and the COVID-19 all-party cabinet committee made the decision after reviewing public health advice, epidemiology reports, rising cases and changes in the alert levels,” Higgs said.

Twinning with communities in Témiscouata Municipal Regional County in Quebec, near Edmundston, was suspended Sept. 17 and all registrations issued for non-essential single trips and multi-day registrations to or from that region are no longer valid.

“We know that by working together we can reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Public Health will continue to closely monitor the situation for any changes. We are continuing to ask everyone to take very simple steps to reduce the spread of the disease. Continue to physically distance at least two metres, wear a mask when that cannot be done, wash your hands frequently and stay home when you are sick. They are small things that have a big impact and will help New Brunswick stay in the Yellow level of recovery.”