New Brunswick is setting up isolation hotels where most people travelling into the province will have to stay at their own expense for at least seven days.
A negative test for COVID-19 would allow them to complete a second week of isolation at home.
The rules take effect Saturday at midnight, and there are some exceptions for students, truckers and rotational workers.
New Brunswick reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday as cases continue to appear in every region of the province.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said at a COVID-19 briefing that the emerging trends of cases include variants of concern that originated with people who travelled outside the province.
“All travel is risky… For many, the risk is necessary because the job demands it,” said Russell.
However, people who travel for leisure must self-isolate when they come back and do so correctly.
“This is not happening as consistently as it should… This is leading to new infections,” she said.
The cost of isolation hotels to travellers will be approximately $200 per day.
Exceptions for students, truckers and rotational workers
Starting Friday, the province said post-secondary students returning to New Brunswick from COVID-19 hot zones in Atlantic Canada, as well as anyone helping them, must immediately self-isolate for 14 days.
Returning students and anyone coming with them will also need to stay in an isolation hotel beginning Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
The cost of the isolation hotel and related expenses will be covered by the provincial government.
All travellers entering New Brunswick, including truck drivers who regularly cross borders, must also register their travel online or by calling 1-833-948-2800.
Beginning Saturday at 11:59 p.m., rotational workers will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, separate from others, upon returning to New Brunswick, regardless of their vaccination status.
The province said if they choose to isolate at home with other people, everyone in the household must also isolate for 14 days.
Also effective on Saturday, April 24 at 11:59 p.m. truck drivers who regularly cross borders and all other regular cross-border commuters will be required to follow modified self-isolation guidelines for 14 days.
“These individuals must stay at home at all times, except for medical needs or to pick up necessities of life, as long as they can do so while avoiding contact with others by using curbside pickup or delivery,” the province said.
Other members of the household will not be required to self-isolate.
16 new cases
Russell said there are eight new cases in Zone 7, which are related to travel outside of the province.
In Zone 1, there are four cases, three of which are related to travel. The other is currently under investigation.
There are two travel-related cases in Zone 2 and two new cases in Zone 4, which are contacts of a previously identified case.
Russell said 11 of the travel-related cases are New Brunswick workers currently self-isolating outside the province.
As of Friday, there are 138 cases in the province. This includes 13 people in hospital and five in intensive care.
-With files from Canadian Press