All tests results related to recent potential exposures are negative thus far

All individuals tested in relation to PEI’s most recent positive case of COVID-19 and potential exposures to the virus in the Charlottetown area have received negative test results to date. 

“I want to thank staff at the testing clinics, the provincial laboratory, Island EMS, and public health nursing involved in contact tracing efforts for their swift response in the last 24 hours as we dealt with increased demand,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison. “I also want to thank the Atlantic Superstore, Terra Rossa and The Gahan House for following public health guidance and for their continued cooperation as we move through this process.”

As announced yesterday, Prince Edward Island’s most recent positive case of COVID-19, a woman in her 20s, visited two restaurants in Charlottetown on Saturday, November 21, 2002 – Terra Rossa (72 Queen Street) from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm and The Gahan House Pub (126 Sydney Street) from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Public health nursing has been using the sign-in sheets from these establishments to notify individuals of a potential exposure to COVID-19 and the need to get tested. Only individuals are contacted by public health nursing need to be tested.

The woman also visited the Atlantic Superstore at 465 University Avenue in Charlottetown on Monday, November 23 between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Anyone who was at this location during this time should monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19, get tested if symptoms develop and isolate until they receive their test results. The Atlantic Superstore’s mandatory mask policy lowers the risk to customers in this situation. There is no need for individuals who were at the store to be tested if they do not have symptoms.

The woman and her close contacts as identified by public health nursing remain in self-isolation for 14 days, regardless of their test results.  

Dr. Morrison says this serves as a reminder of the need to adhere to public health measures, and the importance of contact tracing and testing. 

Prince Edward Island has had a total of 70 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. All cases to date have been travel-related. 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:

• 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