COVID-19: New temporary measures for all patients from Quebec or outside the Atlantic bubble

Bathurst, September 30, 2020 – The uptick in COVID-19 cases in Quebec is forcing Vitalité Health Network to implement new temporary measures for all patients from Quebec (except for residents of the Listuguj First Nation and of Pointe-à-la-Croix) and patients from outside the Atlantic bubble. Until further notice, the Network is slightly adjusting service delivery to these individuals to prevent potential spread of the virus.

“We understand that this decision will somewhat inconvenience the patients covered by these measures.  However, we must take all necessary steps to prevent COVID-19 – which is currently surging in Quebec – from crossing the border and hitting New Brunswickers hard.  I am confident that the precautions we are taking will considerably reduce the risk of spread to our communities,” declared Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.

The following temporary measures now apply to the above patients: 

  • Compulsory preventive isolation in all Network facilities;
  • Non-urgent surgeries postponed to a later date;
  • Non-urgent appointments at ambulatory care clinics (for colonoscopies, gastroscopies, etc.) postponed to a later date; 
  • Visits prohibited, except for patients at end-of-life;
  • All other measures taken for COVID-19 prevention purposes.

Please note that these temporary measures are subject to change in response to the directives received by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province.