All COVID-19 test results received in last 24 hours are negative

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed that all test results received so far in relation to a recent positive case of COVID-19 in the province have come back negative.  

The recent positive case is a male student at Charlottetown Rural High School who also plays for the Sherwood Minor Hockey Midget A Central Team #2. 

Over the last 24-hours, more than 1,100 COVID-19 tests were completed province-wide. This number includes 70 close contacts of the recent positive case (such as his family, close friends and anyone he spent extended time with) and 283 of his other contacts. The investigation is still ongoing.  

Today, all 70 close contacts will be called a second time by public health nursing as part of routine follow-up. Close contacts will remain in self-isolation for 14 days regardless of their negative test result. Any other contacts who have been tested and are negative, should continue to closely monitor for symptoms and get tested if symptoms develop.  

Charlottetown Rural High School will be open on Monday for in-class learning. For students who are required to self-isolate, remote learning options will be provided to ensure they can continue with their studies from home. Additional counselling services and other supports will be offered at the school this week. Students or families who have concerns about returning to school should call 1-800-280-7965 (toll-free) or 902-368-6990. 

As of Monday, November 30, all students in grades 10 through 12 are required to wearing a non-medical mask at all times while inside school. 

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

Prince Edward Island has had a total of 72 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. Information about the province’s COVID-19 cases is available online.

Backgrounder: 

There are two public exposure locations related to the second positive case of COVID-19 as announced yesterday: 

• Wendy’s (643 University Avenue) on Wednesday, November 25 and Thursday, November 26 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm 
• Needs Convenience Store (259 St. Peters Road) on Thursday, November 26 from 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Anyone who was at these locations during these times should monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19 and, if symptoms develop, get tested and self-isolate until they receive the results.

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:

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