Prince Edward Island confirms seven additional COVID-19 cases

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed seven additional positive COVID-19 cases in Prince Edward Island, bringing the province’s total to 18. 

Three of the individuals are women, and four are men, ages ranging from individuals in their 20s to individuals in their 70s. All cases are related to international travel and the individuals all self-isolated immediately upon return. Contact tracing is now underway. 

Dr. Morrison is reminding Islanders that social distancing means physical distancing. Physical distancing means staying home as much as possible. If you need to go out for essential items, you should stay at least six feet away from others. Physical distancing does not mean visiting family and friends, having people over to your home, meeting up in groups outdoors, grocery shopping in groups, or playdates with children. If you do not live with someone, you should not be visiting with them. 

Dr. Morrison reiterated that she does expect the situation on PEI to get worse.  Similar to what is being seen across the country, PEI will likely experience community transmission. She reminded Islanders that this is why practicing physical distancing, along with self-isolation upon return from travel, is so crucial in our efforts in slowing the spread of the virus here in PEI. 

Screening measures have now been strengthened at the Confederation Bridge and the Charlottetown Airport. Additional information is being gathered from travelers, including where they are travelling from, where they are going, and if they have a support system to deliver supplies to them while they are in self-isolation. 

The Chief Public Health Office has received 56 complaints of those failing to self-isolate upon return from travel outside the province. 26 of these resulted in a visit from an officer, 12 resulted in verbal warnings to self-isolate and nine resulted in a written warning for violating the Public Health Order. 

Those issued written warnings have been advised any further failure to comply will result in charges. A number of the 56 complaints received have more than one complaint against an individual. 

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14 days after travelling outside the province should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing. Those requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1.  

Backgrounder: 

The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, government departments and Health PEI to continue to monitor the situation globally, nationally and locally. The public health risk of COVID-19 is continually reassessed and Islanders will be updated as new information becomes available.

Government’s special situation response group also continues to work collaboratively with the Chief Public Health Office, stakeholders and community partners in preparing for all impacts related to COVID-19 to the province, including health, social and economic. 

Everyone is encouraged to follow routine prevention measures:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• If ill with acute respiratory symptoms, stay home if possible
• Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles
• Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops

Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5610
shughes@gov.pe.ca