Chief Public Health Officer urges self-isolation following interprovincial travel 

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison is directing anyone travelling to Prince Edward Island from another province within Canada to self-isolate for 14 days.

This new self-isolation protocol for domestic travelers comes into effect today and follows the same protocol already in place for individuals returning from international travel. New screening measures are being put in place for the next 10 days at all entry points into the province, including the Charlottetown Airport, Confederation Bridge and Magdalene Island Ferry dock in Souris. 

Exceptions will be made for individuals who are considered essential workers (e.g. health care workers, truck drivers, airline crews, essential frontline workers in the public or private sector, workers in critical sectors). Upon their return from domestic travel, essential workers will be:

• screened upon entry to the province;
• asked to self- monitor daily for symptoms of COVID-19 if feeling well; and, 
• asked to self-isolate if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. 

Recommendations from the Chief Public Health Officer may change as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. 
Dr. Morrison also noted that that in order to ensure all Islanders have fair access to the medications they need, Island pharmacies will now be limiting all prescription refills to a maximum of 30 days. Pharmacare clients will have no additional financial burden due to the more frequent refills.

Dr. Morrison further clarified details regarding the flight linked to the second case of COVID-19. It was Air Canada flight 7564 which travelled from Toronto to Charlottetown on March 11. All passengers on that flight are asked to self-isolate for 14 days from date they returned and monitor their symptoms daily.

Prince Edward Island has two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. As of this morning, there have been over 307 tests conducted, of which 167 are negative and 138 are still pending. 

For more information on essential and non-essential services: princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/essential-and-non-essential-services-covid-19

For more information on self-isolation: www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/covid-19-self-isolation

For more information on social distancing: princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/covid-19-social-distancing

Islanders with health-related questions regarding COVID-19 should call PEI’s toll-free information line at 1-800-958-6400. The information line is taking messages 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and Islanders who leave messages will receive a call back from the Chief Public Health Office. 

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14 days after international 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, 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