Prince Edward Island confirms third case of COVID-19

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed Prince Edward Island’s third positive case of COVID-19. 

The Queens County woman is in her 20s and recently returned from international travel, arriving in Toronto from Spain on March 14. She self-isolated in Toronto before traveling to Moncton on March 16 on WestJet flight 3456. She traveled by private passenger vehicle to Prince Edward Island that same day. She remains at home in self-isolation with mild symptoms and is doing well. 

All passengers who travelled on WestJet Flight 3456 from Toronto to Moncton on March 16 are asked to self-isolate. They should call 8-1-1 if they show symptoms. 

Dr. Morrison spoke to the new screening measures put in place yesterday at all entry points into the province – Confederation Bridge, Charlottetown Airport and Magdalen Ferry Terminal in Souris – and thanked everyone for their cooperation and patience.

She also re-emphasized the necessity of Islanders practicing social distancing in an attempt to flatten the curve of COVID-19. She clarified that social distancing means physical distance and reinforced the importance of maintaining other forms of connection with people and community. 

Islanders returning to Prince Edward Island from domestic or international travel must self-isolate for 14 days. Exceptions are being made for essential workers, including truck drivers, airline crews, essential public and private sector worker in critical sectors, as well as on compassionate grounds. 

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14 days of domestic or international travel should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing.

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. 

Those requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1.  

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