Twelve-year-old Fredericton resident Ben Martin has high hopes Heat ahead. 245 feet high, in fact.
“My summer plans are to go to the Canadian Wonderland in Toronto,” he says excitedly.
“I plan to go on a very high ride because I want to face my fear of heights.”
The Yukon Striker coaster and its 90-degree fall await him in Ontario and unlike the past two years, his dreams are not limited COVID-19 restrictions in any province.
“It’s probably going to be a good summer,” Martin says.
12-year-old Ben Martin says it’s probably going to be a good summer.
Travis Fortnam / Global News
Many New Brunswickers are plotting their warm-weather moves, marking the first start of summer since COVID-19 arrived on the scene with no provincial restrictions in place.
Some tell Global News that they’re happy to have the option to socialize without counting their contacts — like Tracy O’Neill, who looks forward to spending some time in her trailer at the Penobskis.
“In the past we couldn’t have anyone on the trailer,” she says, “but this year it’s all open so we can really finish the company.”
The province’s top doctor told Global News on Tuesday that public health is monitoring the two latest Omicron subvariants of COVID-19, but officials do not expect another wave of infections until the autumn.
“We expect more people to be outside,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer for health, “but if people are indoors, then obviously the risks are higher and so we generally see an increase in declines.” Huh.
However, some experts say the messaging is overly optimistic — especially with BA.4 and BA.5 proving even more permeable than BA.2, which fueled that springtime spike.
“With this BA.5, there’s a big concern about a summer boom,” says Newfoundland-based epidemiologist Suzanne Gulliver.
Gulliver says you’re still better off wearing a mask, even if your summer plans keep you outside.
People are seen packed into cramped quarters at events such as Canada Day fireworks and open-air concerts.
“There was only a safe situation outside when you could adequately social distance, because as we know, COVID is airborne,” says Gulliver.
“If you’re in close proximity with someone it doesn’t matter if you’re out.”
She acknowledges that the idea of covering your face on a hot day is inappropriate, but added that it can keep you from getting sick or someone else getting sick.
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