Prince Edward Island confirms four more COVID-19 cases

Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed four more positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the province’s total to nine.

The cases are all men between the ages of 55 and 70, who have all recently returned from international travel. Two of the men returned from Europe, one from the United States and one from the Caribbean. Two of the men are from Queens County and two are from Prince County. All four are at home doing well, and self-isolated immediately upon return. The four cases are not connected and contact tracing for each case is now underway.

Dr. Morrison continues to stress the importance of self-isolation for 14 days following interprovincial or international travel, and to practice social distancing for those who have not traveled, in an effort to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14 days of 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 call 1-833-533-9333 or visit our webpage at: www.princeedwardisland.ca/covid19.

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

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