Fredericton –
It was a quiet Christmas for many in the Maritime, with New Brunswick counting the timer to reach Level 2 of its COVID-19 winter action plan on Monday.
Despite that, many, including the Campbell family of Moncton, did their best to continue this vacation with a new normal.
After 19 years together, Greg and Wendy Campbell of Moncton tied the knot on Christmas Eve, but not without a pandemic twist.
“So we took the plunge, and the officiant that we had ended up confirming that they had COVID-19 on the day of the wedding, they told us a few days before that they had been exposed, so we got married via FaceTime instead of in person. . ”Said boyfriend Greg Campbell.
The little family reunion proceeded cautiously, at home.
“So it was the best thing we did FaceTime, sure, but it was certainly different, it was just me, my wife, our son and his mother,” Campbell added.
The most recent number of COVID-19 cases announced in New Brunswick was on December 24, when the province reported 1,653 active cases of the virus.
The newlyweds decided to make the best of their plan.
“We were originally hoping to try and have a wedding this summer, but due to scheduling and other things, it wasn’t going to be feasible, so we thought you know, what better time with the way things have gone with COVID-19. What better way to try to get something positive out of the way this year has been after having a wedding, “said Campbell.
New Brunswick is moving to a revised Tier 2 version of its COVID-19 winter plan on Monday.
The province did not provide COVID-19 updates on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, the next update will be December 27.
“I wish we didn’t have to go to level 2, but we’re heading in that direction, I hope the numbers stay low,” said Coalition for Seniors Executive Director Cecile Cassista.
The changes include limiting meetings to a constant number of 10, and venues must only have 50% capacity or a maximum of 150 people. Restaurants, gyms, spas and lounges are at 50 percent capacity, sports are not allowed for those under 12 years old, while those over 12 can only practice with their own equipment.
Rapid test distribution surpassed 1 million in the last week, Fredericton’s distribution ran out of rapid tests at 2pm on Christmas Eve.
“I know there are huge lines in the Moncton area and some of us are going to pick up Hillsborough because the drive is so much easier, and I have heard from families saying they do quick tests before reuniting with their family members.” Cassista said.
Quick test pickup locations will reopen on Wednesday.
Reference-atlantic.ctvnews.ca