N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Less than half of eligible population boosted on eve of eased restrictions

On the eve of New Brunswick's transition to eased COVID-19 restrictions, less than half of the eligible population has received their booster dose of a vaccine against the virus.

Over the past two weeks, about 30,000 booster shots have been administered.

That's three times fewer than during the last two weeks of January, when nearly 98,000 booster doses were given.

As of Thursday, 48.6 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers had received their booster shot.

The proportion of people boosted is even lower among young people. Only about 26 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 20 to 29 have received a third dose.

New Brunswick will move to Level 1 of the COVID-19 winter plan, the least restrictive level, at 11:59 p.m.

Among the changes, larger indoor and outdoor gatherings are allowed; business, such as retail, restaurants, gyms and entertainment centres, will return to full capacity; singing will be allowed in faith venues; and all sports are allowed without restrictions.

Massan Dopegno, a student at the University of Moncton, said she got her first two vaccines even though she was hesitant, but she has no plans to make an appointment for a booster shot.

"The only thing that could make me change my mind is the government," she said. "If they decide that we have to have a third dose, we won't have much choice."

Some people, like Simon Arseneault and Marc Hébert, who were interviewed at the exit of a vaccination clinic in Moncton, want Public Health to redouble its efforts to promote booster doses.

"In my opinion, the third dose should even be a criterion for moving to Level 1," said Arseneault.

Entrepreneurs do not agree on the need for a third dose for their customers and employees, according to John Wishart, CEO of the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce.

"The enthusiasm for the booster dose seems to be waning as we approach the lifting of restrictions," he said. "But there is never universal agreement between us as to whether we should lift the obligation of vaccination or not."

The business community does, however, need a clearer plan for the next steps of reopening the province, said Wishart.