Island workers can now apply to work-isolate

Effective immediately, Island workers who travel outside of the Atlantic Bubble can apply to work-isolate upon their return to Prince Edward Island if they undergo COVID-19 testing. 

Non-essential travel outside of the Atlantic provinces is not recommended by Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Office. Anyone travelling to the province from outside of the Atlantic Bubble must self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival. Island residents who must travel outside of the Atlantic Bubble, and need to work outside of their home upon returning to the province, can now apply to work-isolate. All other Islanders returning home from travel outside of the Atlantic Bubble must self-isolate for 14 days.

Work-isolation requires the individual to self-isolate at home when not at work or attending COVID-19 testing appointments. Work-isolators will be tested and must receive a negative test result before they go to work. Workers must also submit to testing two other times throughout the 14-day isolation period. While at work they must physical distance, wear a non-medical mask, perform frequent hand washing/sanitizing and adhere to any other arrangements made by their employer.  

Island residents who want to work-isolate after travel outside of the Atlantic Bubble must complete an online application.  It is recommended that workers discuss the application with their employer prior to submitting the application and before they leave the province. Individuals work-isolating must call 1-855-354-4358 in advance to book testing appointments. 

Workers who are not PEI residents and enter the province for work must continue to receive pre-travel approval from the PEI Office of Public Safety.  Non-resident workers will automatically be eligible for work-isolation when they receive pre-travel approval if they submit to testing upon arrival in the province and at two other times throughout the 14-day isolation period. 

If a worker is symptomatic, they cannot participate in work-isolation. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 should visit a drop-in testing clinic. 

For more information on work-isolation, visit Travelling Workers and Isolation Requirements.

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