Chief Public Health Officer says the worst of COVID-19 is not over for PEI

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, says although there are no additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island, the worst is not over.   

Eight of PEI’s COVID-19 cases are now considered recovered. All 22 cases have been related to international travel. PEI tests continue to be sent to the National Microbiology Lab and the Island’s local testing capacity has and will to expand in the days ahead. 

Dr. Morrison reminded Islanders that the most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is through staying home, practicing physical distancing, washing hands and coughing into a tissue or sleeve to reduce droplet spread. Wearing a homemade cloth mask has not been proven to protect the person who is wearing it, and should not be used in replacement of public health measures. However, wearing a mask in public where social and physical distancing could be difficult may be appropriate to ensure the safety of the people and workers around you, for example public transit.  

Health PEI’s Chief Nursing Officer, Marion Dowling, says plans for a virtual care platform to be used by physicians, nurse practitioners, and mental health and addictions will launch this week. This will allow health care providers to offer services, over a secure video platform, to improve access for patients while reducing the need for in-person visits. 

Cough and fever clinics and drive thru testing clinics continue to run seven days a week in both Charlottetown and Summerside. This weekend, 148 patients were seen in Charlottetown and 63 patients in Summerside. Appointments to the cough and fever clinics are by referral from family physicians, nurse practitioners or 811. Assessment clinics are also providing an option for telephone assessments, if necessary.  

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