Prince Edward Island eases more COVID-19 restrictions

Today Premier Dennis King and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced a further easing of public health measures in Prince Edward Island as the last remaining case of COVID-19 is now recovered.

“Islanders have been resilient in the face of this pandemic, working together while staying apart in our efforts to follow public health measure so that we can contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is because of our collective efforts and the leadership of Dr. Morrison and her team that we are in a position to move a little more quickly, but with continued caution, to allow for greater flexibility to interact with family and friends.” 

- Premier Dennis King

Beginning today: 

• Members of the same household may gather indoors with up to 5 other individuals from different households.
• Members of the same household may gather outdoors with up to 10 other individuals from different households.
• Maintaining physical distancing is important during any gatherings with those from outside your household. 
• You may extend your household unit by one or two members, who are important to supporting your household or who you feel may need closer contact and support (ex: hug, handshake, etc.)

“We know that limiting our close interactions with others is our best defense against COVID-19.  But we also know that there are people who are feeling isolated or who have loved ones in need,” said Dr. Heather Morrison. “As Prince Edward Island now has no evidence of active COVID-19, we will now permit indoor and outdoor gatherings of a limited size, while maintaining physical distancing as much as possible.”

Islanders are asked to consider the risks when gathering to protect their household and loved ones. This means considering postponing gatherings with those who may be of increased risk such as those who are older or immunocompromised, anyone who has traveled in the past two weeks, or anyone who is feeling sick. 

It is important to note that key public health measures have not changed and that will continue to be important: 

• Self-isolating for 14 days if you have recently traveled out of province;
• practicing physical distancing of two-metres; 
• staying home when you are sick;
• washing your hands; and,
• covering your cough.

Increased testing and enhanced screening at the points of entry will also continue.

With increased interaction in the days and weeks to come, Islanders are encouraged to keep a log of the people that they’ve had contact with.  This will help the Chief Public Health Office to do contact tracing for any new cases. 

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