The Government of New Brunswick has confirmed that it will not be enforcing COVID19 testing for truckers or local commuters for work, medical or veterinary care, or childcare or custody on March 1, as was previously communicated.

According to the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, officers that interact with truckers and travellers will instead be reminding all that testing for any cross-border traveller is strongly encouraged to reduce risks from COVID19, and how to request tests.

The government has asked public safety and health authorities to continue working with the trucking industry regarding managing risks from COVID-19 and improving access to testing near where it is needed.

To help combat the COVID-19 virus, voluntary rapid testing will be set up at a local pharmacy – Pharmacy for Life in Hartland – for asymptomatic workers who regularly travel across the border. Public Health is reportedly working to expand the voluntary testing sites.

A revised document regarding next steps on voluntary testing for truckers and how to arrange a test can be found here.

The APTA were instrumental in working with the government in NB to reverse its earlier decision to begin mandatory testing for entry into the province on March 1.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance, meanwhile, is supportive of voluntary COVID-testing approaches for truck drivers by provinces and the federal government and encourages the federal government to continue exploring the idea of forming voluntary test sites drivers can access easily away from busy ports of entry, such as truck stops and rest areas. CTA is also very supportive of the federal government’s policy of exempting commercial truck drivers from mandatory COVID testing requirements.