Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrives in PEI; Circuit Breaker update

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has announced that Prince Edward Island has received approximately 1,950 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today. 

“This is a very exciting week for PEI as we receive the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine and prepare to administer the initial doses to long term care staff and health care workers involved in the COVID-19 response. This vaccine represents hope and is a huge step forward in our fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Morrison. “While it will take several months for all Islanders to be immunized against COVID-19, everyone who wants to receive the vaccine will, free of charge.”

Beginning Wednesday, December 16, the province will be administering the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Islanders based on the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. 

The first doses of the vaccine will be administered to approximately 1,950 health care workers involved in the COVID-19 response and nursing home staff who provide direct patient care. This includes respiratory therapists, testing clinic staff, immunization staff, cough and fever clinic staff, emergency room staff and long-term care staff. Anyone scheduled to receive the vaccine will be called for an appointment and must be available to receive the second dose in three weeks. More information about Prince Edward Island’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program is now available online. 

Dr. Morrison is also recommending that PEI move out of the Circuit Breaker in a cautious, measured approach. By Friday, Dr. Morrison says she hopes to announce some easing of the current measures in the form of Post Circuit Breaker Holiday Measures. Any easing of current restrictions is dependent on there being no increase in cases over the next couple of days. 

All Islanders should get tested if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, and self-isolate until the results come back. Islanders are also encouraged to download the free national COVID Alert app, which will to let them know if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Prince Edward Island currently has 16 active cases of COVID-19 and has had a total of 89 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. Information about the province’s COVID-19 cases is available online.

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