What Is My Election COVID-19 Operational Plan?

I have reviewed ElectionsNB’s COVID-19 Risk Mitigation During Municipal Election Campaigns document and the Government of New Brunswick’s COVID-19 Operational Plan Guide: Keeping New Brunswickers Safer Together document in preparation of the material on this page.  As a municipal election candidate, I must follow the public health safety protocols that are in place for the province as well as any specific public health measures that may be in effect within Zone 2, the Saint John Health zone.

I will not have a campaign office for the election.

Below are the steps that I will be taking during the election campaign to stay safe and healthy.

1.  Keep my distance

I will maintain a safe social distance with everyone outside my social bubble.  That is, I will maintain at least a 2 metre distance from others when outside my home.  I will also:

• avoid common greetings, such as handshakes
• avoid crowded places, such as stores, during busy times
• limit contact with people who are at higher risk, such as older adults and people in poor health
• if I cannot maintain a safe 2 metres between myself and others, I will wear a community face mask as recommended by the Chief Public Officer of Health (masks are currently mandatory in indoor public places)
• avoid going door-to-door

2.  Keep my hands clean

I wash my hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds and I wash them regularly throughout the day.  I will also do the following to keep my hands clean:

• use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• avoid touching my face (eyes, nose, and mouth)
• cough and sneeze into my elbow or tissue
• clean shared surfaces

3.  Stay at home if I feel ill or exhibit symptoms

I will check myself for symptoms every day.  If I feel ill and/or have two or more of the following symptoms, I will self-isolate and use the online public health form to register for testing (or call 811):

• fever
• cough (or worsening cough)
• sore throat
• runny nose
• headache
• muscle pain
• fatigue/exhaustion
• diarrhea
• loss of sense of taste
• loss of sense of smell

4.  Avoid crowds

For all gatherings, I will keep 2 metres between myself and anyone who is not in my social bubble/Steady15.  When 2 metres cannot be maintained, I will wear a community face mask.  I will also take the following precautions:

• for indoor gatherings, I will limit my group to 10 people
• for outdoor gatherings, I will limit my group to 50 people

5.  Self-isolate if necessary

I will self-isolate in the following instances:

• If I have returned from outside New Brunswick
• If I have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
• If I am awaiting  the results of a COVID-19 test

6.  Delivering election materials

I do intend to deliver election postcards to all homes in Rothesay.  I will safely do so by:

• Not ringing doorbells or knocking on doors
• Only handling postcards that are delivered within an enclosed box from the printer while wearing gloves
• Placing the postcard into the door while wearing a face mask and gloves