Islanders urged to follow COVID-19 travel advisories

Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed two new unrelated positive cases of COVID-19 for the province and urges Islanders to follow New Brunswick COVID-19 travel advisories.

Both cases are men – one is in his 20s and one in his 40s – who work in unrelated non-health care industries and recently travelled domestically, outside Atlantic Canada. They have been in self-isolation since arriving in the province and are doing well. Both men tested positive as part of routine testing and are being followed by public health. Contact tracing has been completed. There are now three active cases of COVID-19 in the province. 

Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Office continues to closely monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 in New Brunswick and is. “I am very concerned about the evolving situation in New Brunswick and I am strongly urging Islanders to follow public health measures here at home, as well as public health measures and travel warnings that are in place in destinations they are planning to visit,” said Dr. Morrison. “What is happening in New Brunswick could happen in Prince Edward Island, and it is a reminder of how quickly the virus can spread. It is important that we all remain vigilant – this is not the time to let our guard down.” 

New Brunswick public health officials have confirmed 57 new cases of COVID-19 in the past five days, most related to outbreaks in the Moncton and Campbellton regions. Non-essential travel to these regions is being strongly discouraged. 

Islanders returning from travel to the Moncton and Campbellton regions of New Brunswick should:

• wear a mask at all times when outside of their household for the next two weeks; 
• monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19, and visit a Drop-in Testing Clinic to be tested if symptoms develop;
• avoid public places, unless it is essential; 
• avoid large gatherings; and,
• minimize contact with individuals outside of their close circle of contacts and household. 

Individuals returning from these two New Brunswick regions who work in long-term care facilities must be especially cautious for the next two weeks and should stay home if they are not feeling well; wear personal protective equipment at work; monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, and get tested as soon as symptoms develop. 

This guidance for individuals returning from travel to the Moncton and Campbellton regions will remain in place until New Brunswick public health officials declare the outbreaks over. 

Islanders are reminded that following public health measures – physical distancing, frequent handwashing, coughing into your elbow, wearing a non-medical mask in indoor public spaces, staying home if you’re feeling unwell – remain crucial to protecting themselves and others from COVID-19. 

There currently is no evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island and the risk of transmission in the province remains low. Prince Edward Island has had a total of 63 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic.

Backgrounder: 

Symptoms of COVID-19: 

• new or worsening cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fever/ chills 
• sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, 
• headache
• muscle aches
• unusual fatigue
• acute loss of smell or taste. 
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea have been reported, but typically in conjunction with other symptoms and may be more frequent in children.

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:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 314-2721
ahamel@gov.pe.ca