COVID-19 Update

Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, announced one new positive case of COVID-19.

The individual is man in his 30s who tested positive in another province. He will complete his 14 day self-isolation outside of Atlantic Canada.

Based on no substantial change in case numbers, on February 16, the following public health measures will be eased:

• Gyms and fitness facilities – high intensity activities such as spin, hot yoga and bootcamps, will be required to maintain at least 2 meters of physical distance (instead of 3 meters)
• Personal services – these services may operate on a walk-in basis, provided the business has a robust operational plan
• Organized gathering limits – CPHO will be working with some large venues in PEI, including Credit Union Place and the Eastlink Centre to allow additional groups, provided there are separate entrances, exits, washrooms and no mixing of cohorts. These venues must submit a new operational plan to be approved by CPHO.
• Long-term care – if staff immunization rates in individual facilities are at least 75%, we will move to adding a third partner in care and allow more staff movement between facilities 

Over reading week (university break) it is strongly recommended that Island students studying at post-secondary institutions off Island do not travel home. Those who do will be required to self-isolate for 14 days or however long they are in the province, if a shorter time period. Those non-PEI students studying in PEI are encouraged to nottravel off Island during reading week. Islanders should not travel off Island for March Break, unless absolutely necessary. 

As of Saturday 8,828 doses of vaccine have been administered, including 3,517 second doses. 

More than 2,770 Islanders age 80 and over, living in the community, have now booked their appointments to be immunized against COVID-19. These immunizations will begin later this month. Islanders 80 and over can call 1-844-975-3303 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, seven days a week, to book their appointments.  

Approximately 1,700 registered rotational workers, including truck drivers, will soon be contacted to book their immunization appointments. Adults living in congregate living settings (shelters, group homes, community residential care facilities) are being offered the first dose of vaccine this week. Community health nurses in Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nations are leading the planning of vaccine clinics for adults in those communities. Health PEI and CPHO are working with the Native Council of PEI to plan vaccine clinic opportunities for Indigenous adults who are not part of Lennox Island or Abegweit First Nation. 

Dr. Morrison is reminding all Islanders to get tested if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, and self-isolate until the results come back. Islanders are also encouraged to download the free national COVID Alert app, which will let them know if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Prince Edward Island has four active cases of COVID-19 and has had a total of 114 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. Information about the province’s COVID-19 cases is available online.

Backgrounder: 

The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, government departments and Health PEI to monitor the pandemic situation and prepare for all COVID-19 related impacts to the province, including health, social and economic. The public health risk of COVID-19 is continually reassessed and Islanders will be updated as new information becomes available.

Everyone is encouraged to follow routine prevention measures:

• Maintain a distance of two meters from others as much as possible
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Stay home if you are not feeling well
• Wear a mask in closed, indoor public spaces
• Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Keep your circle of contacts small
• 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
shughes@gov.pe.ca