During Thursday’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Russell reminded New Brunswickers that the virus does not take a holiday break.

Dr. Russell cited the increase of COVID-19 cases in the United States after American Thanksgiving as an example of a post-holiday spike.

Though she gave self-isolation instructions, Dr. Russell urges New Brunswickers to stay home for the holidays.

Her full remarks are available here;

Dr. Russell says that families and friends may be separated this year, but they can still take care of one another from a distance.

Premier Blaine Higgs echoed Dr. Russell’s comments, and added that his own children will not be travelling home to visit this year.

In vaccine news, 1950 individuals are scheduled to receive the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this weekend.

More doses are anticipated to arrive at the end of the month, which will be administered in early January 2021.

Dr. Russell is expecting all New Brunswickers who want the COVID-19 vaccine to be inoculated by June or July of next year.