One additional COVID-19 case confirmed in Prince Edward Island

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed one additional positive COVID-19 case in Prince Edward Island.

The new case is a man in his 30s, an essential worker who had recent international travel. He has been self-isolating since arriving in PEI. This new case is not related to the case linked to Whisperwood Villa or the cluster of cases reported last week nor is it related to the cases linked to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

The province currently has nine active cases and has a total of 36 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. All active cases are at home, doing well and self-isolating. 

Yesterday, approximately 506 COVID-19 swabs related to the recent cases linked to the QEH were received at the QEH lab. To date, all results are negative and testing will be completed today. Patients and staff who came into contact with the QEH emergency department health care worker who tested positive have been contacted to arrange for testing. 

Dr. Morrison thanked everyone at the QEH, public health, staff at the testing clinic and the QEH lab for their responsiveness and quick work to respond this situation. 

All patients in emergency departments across the Island will now be required to wear a mask, as these are unscheduled visits and high volumes of patients can be in waiting or triage areas. The psychiatric urgent care centre is also requiring masking. Patients are asked to bring their own masks if possible. If not, one will be provided when they arrive. 

Islanders and visitors to Prince Edward Island are urged to adhere to public health measures. It is strongly recommended that Islanders and visitors to the province wear a face mask or covering when in closed indoor spaces. Even when wearing a mask, it is important to practice other public health measures, such as maintaining good hand hygiene and practicing physical distancing. 

A further updated on COVID-19 cases and testing results will be provided on July 15. 

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:

• Physical distance – stay 6 feet apart  
• Wash 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
• Don’t share items like food, drinking glasses and water bottles
• Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops
• Keep your circle of contacts small
• Wear a face mask or covering when in closed indoor spaces

Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact their family physician, nurse practitioner or call 8-1-1. 

Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5610
shughes@gov.pe.ca