FREDERICTON, N.B. — New Brunswick’s auditor general has released a new report highlighting the province’s oversights during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the lack of preparation increased the virus’ impact.“The provincial government reacted quickly with unprecedented measures, including restrictions on gatherings, mask mandates and closures of schools and business, aimed at saving lives,” said auditor general Paul Martin.
The report also found that no records were kept on any meetings held by COVID Core, a group of senior officials who supported the cabinet committee on COVID-19. “We found six instances out of 14 sampled restrictions in mandatory orders where public health measures were supported by verbal updates only.”
“The department’s actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were delayed by the lack of pre-pandemic planning, dependence on other departments and limited enforcement,” said Martin.Instances of non-compliance with required nursing home staffing levels were consistent throughout the pandemic, including during inspections.“Twenty nursing homes reported staffing levels as strained or critical,” said Martin.