July 26, 2021
As you likely know, Premier Higgs announced last week that starting on Friday 30 July at midnight, the Emergency Order will end which means that pandemic restrictions will be lifted. Dr. Russell explained that if there are resurgence of cases, they may re-impose some restrictions. Accordingly, the NBCA will keep you informed of any directives coming from public health. However, as far as we know, on Saturday, mandatory recommendations will be lifted.
As a regulated profession, we remain committed to infection prevention and control, and would like to encourage all NB chiropractors to remain vigilant. For example, during high-transmission periods (i.e. new COVID outbreak, flu season), clinics could re-introduce measures like mandatory sanitation, extra disinfecting, masks and others (see attached). Clinics must also continue to meet the requirements of the New Brunswick Occupational Health and Safety Act.
We are here to help NB chiropractors and clinics navigate the next stage. Please do not hesitate to contact the NBCA if you have any questions or require additional information.
June 16, 2021
Starting at midnight tonight, NB is transitioning (early) to phase 2. This means that all travelers from the Atlantic provinces can travel to NB without the need to self-isolate upon arrival. The requirement for self-isolation for rotational workers and their families is also removed.
Please see more details below:
https://www2.gnb.ca/.../alert-levels/path-to-green.html
June 7th, 2021
Beginning today, anyone who received their first dose of a vaccine prior to April 1 can book an appointment for their second dose through a participating pharmacy or at a Vitalité or Horizon health network clinic.
Pharmacy vaccine registration (gnb.ca)
Vaccination clinics through Regional Health Authorities (gnb.ca)
Beginning June 14, anyone who received their first dose in April will be eligible to book an appointment for their second dose. On June 21, eligibility for second dose appointments will be extended to everyone, as long as at least 28 days has passed since their first dose. To receive their second vaccine dose, New Brunswickers are asked to bring a signed consent form, their Medicare card and a copy of the record of immunization provided after receiving their first dose. If possible, residents are asked to book an appointment at the same pharmacy or clinic at which they received their first dose.
https://www2.gnb.ca/.../covid-19/COVID-19-consent-form.pdf
April 27, 2021
Dr. Russell announced today another death, a person from the Moncton area in their 20's. This is the youngest death in NB and a reminder that everyone is at risk.
Dr. Russell also announced that the new cases in Edmundston area are linked to the same LTC facility, and the region will return to orange alert as of midnight tonight. The Grand Falls/Drummond area will remain to orange for another week.
April 26, 2021
April 23, 2021
March 29th, 2021
March 18, 2021
March 15, 2021
GNB Update: Effective at midnight tonight, the following areas are returning to orange alert: St. Leonard, Grand Falls, Drummond and Four Falls. However, remaining areas in zone 4 remain in lockdown. Travel outside of or to the lockdown areas are strongly discouraged.
March 11, 2021
GNB Update: The provincial government announced today that pharmacies will play a key role in the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination plan.
Beginning today, New Brunswickers who are 85 and older may contact a pharmacist to set up an appointment to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments will be scheduled at nearly every pharmacy in the province, with the first vaccinations starting Wednesday, March 17.
Vaccines will be administered by appointment only. At this time, appointments may be booked only by individuals who are 85 or older or by a family member or caregiver on their behalf. People who meet the criteria are asked to book only one appointment in one location.
A Medicare card will be required to book an appointment, however residents without a Medicare card are still eligible and should speak to a pharmacy. Appointments may be booked online if the pharmacy has an online booking tool on their website; otherwise, appointments should be made by calling the pharmacy. At this time, only pharmacies are accepting appointments.
More details about New Brunswick’s updated COVID-19 vaccination plan, including timelines for additional age groups and priority groups will be provided on Friday, March 12.
25 January 2021
The NBCA has release Updated Recommendations.
1 May 2020
The NBCA has released updated Operational Plan to inform safe return to practice.
29 April 2020
The NBCA has released updated Permanent Telehealth Standard.
24 April 2020
The NBCA has released Return to Practice Recommendations to inform safe return to practice.
1 April 2020
New Brunswick remains in a State of Emergency. The Renewed and Revised Mandated Order COVID-19 stays in effect which state:
“Regulated health professionals are prohibited from providing in-person services except those services they deem essential for the health and wellbeing of their clients. The offering of services is permitted conditional on compliance with all applicable control measures in the NB OCMOH Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Primary Care Providers in Community Setting. (…)”
Any chiropractor conducting urgent or emergency care services must consult the Guidance for Primary Care Providers in Community Setting document.
Accordingly, the definitions below should help you to determine whether cases are urgent:
1. The patient is in an urgent state if they would be severely physically limited from basic daily activities without chiropractic care. Severe limitations could require patients to seek further medical services (e.g. emergency care) if left untreated.
2. The patient is in an urgent state if left untreated would be vulnerable to an acute flare-up that could leave them severely physically limited from basic daily activities.
3. Patients who are not experiencing urgent-type pain or dysfunction as described above, are not considered emergent care.
25 March 2020
"Regulated health professionals are prohibited from providing in-person services except those services they deem essential for the health and wellbeing of their clients. The offering of services is permitted conditional on compliance with all applicable control measures in the NB OCMOH Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Primary Care Providers in Community Setting. (…)"
Renewed and revised emergency order can be found at: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Corporate/pdf/EmergencyUrgence19.pdf
Novel Coronavirus Guidance for Primary Care Providers in Community Settings: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/COVID-19GuidancePrimaryCareProvidersCommunitySetting.pdf
19 March 2020
UPDATED DIRECTIVES
Today, 19 March 2020, the Premier Blaine Higgs declared a State of Emergency under Section 12 of the Emergency Act to enhance measures to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
The GNB directive reads as such: “All regulated health service providers will cease operations unless the services to be provided are to address essential health care or an emergency health-care situation.” This requirement is effective immediately. This directive also applies to home visits or similar arrangements.
17 March 2020
PRACTICE DIRECTIVES – COVID-19
The New Brunswick Chiropractors Association (NBCA) recognizes that concerns are being raised regarding COVID-19 public health threat from chiropractors and their patients. The NBCA is committed to providing chiropractors and the public best available information and directives as follows:
Members:
- Chiropractors are asked to review and comply with the NB Chief Medical Officer latest directives. See https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.03.0127.html. Also, consider the following resources:
- Health and Allied Health Professionals: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus/HealthandAlliedHealthProfessionals.html
- Frequently Asked Questions: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus/faq.html
- Coronavirus disease : For health professionals: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals.html#a5
- As of 13 March, all individuals that have been travelling internationally should self-isolate for 14 days. This directive applies to chiropractors and staff.
- Chiropractors should triage patients and avoid non-essential services (except emergency/acute care).
- Reschedule any patients who returned from international travel in the last 14 days, or those who have been in close contact with presumptive cases of COVID-19.
- Reschedule any patients who are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms. Patients should be informed to monitor symptoms (e.g. headache, congestion, achiness, feeling unwell) and call tele-health (8-1-1) when symptoms worsen to include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. If in doubt, call 8-1-1.
- Patients should be triaged based on risk factors and conditions. For example, consider rescheduling all patients who are immuno-compromised or over the age of 70.
- Cancellation or related fees should be waved until further notice.
- Chiropractors and staff are asked to be take extra measures to clean equipment and surfaces to reduce the potential for cross-contamination. Chiropractors and all staff should wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their faces.
- Measures should be taken to limit wait time for patients before and after visits. This can include spacing out visits, or using technology like texting to advise patients when available.
- Treatments should be provided in dedicated treatment space with only 1 table. Open or common spaces like gyms or others should be avoided.
Exposure to COVID-19:
- Chiropractors have a duty to report any suspected case of COVID-19 to the office of the Chief Medical Officer.
- Any suspected case should call 8-1-1 immediately for further instructions.
- Following exposure, chiropractors and staff should self-isolate for 14 days and monitor symptoms. The clinic should also be thoroughly cleaned with industrial grade cleaner prior to re-opening of the facilities.
Marketing:
- Chiropractors should avoid making any unsubstantiated claims concerning the role of chiropractic care in preventing or managing COVID-19, or related viral infections. The NBCA will be monitoring social media and online content to ensure compliance with advertising standards. Failure to comply may lead to a complaint.
Patients:
- Patients should report any flu-like symptoms in advance of a visit.
- Patients should wash their hands before and after each visit.
- Patients should try to be punctual to avoid unnecessary waiting, or potential cross-contamination.