New COVID-19 recommendations for Islanders

Screen capture of Dr. Heather Morrison, PEI Chief Public Health Officer

While there are still no cases of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island, the Chief Public Health Office is issuing new recommendations in efforts to limit the potential number of cases and spread of COVID-19.

Watch Covid-19 update in YouTube

Recommendations include:

Any Islanders who have travelled outside of Canada (whether experiencing symptoms or not) are asked to self-isolate for 14 days following their return. This includes teachers, students and health care workers.
Cancel all non-essential travel outside of country.
Reconsider attending social gatherings where a 2-meter distance is not possible, especially if the elderly or immune-compromised people are present.

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

Islanders with questions about COVID-19 should call PEI’s toll-free information line at 1-800-958-6400. The information line is taking messages 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and Islanders who leave messages will receive a call back within 24 hours from the Chief Public Health Office.

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14 days after international travel should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing.

Those requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1.

For answers to general questions about COVID-19.

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

General Inquiries

Department of Health and Wellness
4th Floor North, Shaw Building
105 Rochford Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Phone: 902-368-6414
Fax: 902-368-4121

DeptHW@gov.pe.ca