Province outlines plans to “Renew PEI, Together”

Today, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison outlined the province’s safe, measured plan to ease public health restrictions related to COVID-19 for Islanders.

Renew PEI, Together outlines the guiding principles and phased approach to the reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. The first phase will begin Friday, May 1.  

“Over the past several weeks, Prince Edward Islanders have experienced the most challenging health, social and economic circumstances in recent memory, but Islanders have met the challenges posed by the global pandemic head on with determination and resolve. We have all rapidly changed the way we live, learn, work and play to protect ourselves, our neighbours and our communities. It is because of this concerted effort that the province is in the position it is to ease public health measures carefully.”

- Premier Dennis King

The plan will be implemented in four distinct phases with a progressive lifting of public health measures on individuals, communities and organizations over three-week periods. Progression will be gradual and constantly evaluated based on the latest public health information from PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. Decisions during each phase will be based on public health evidence and continuous monitoring. If there are concerns about progressing into a next phase, progress will be slowed, halted or even reversed to continue to protect the health and safety of Islanders. 

“As we move cautiously, but optimistically, forward it is important to understand that this phased approach does not mean business as usual. All services, businesses, and organizations are going to need to modify their operations in light of COVID-19,” said Dr. Heather Morrison. “It is our collective action that will contribute to the success of this plan. Together, we can safely renew Prince Edward Island and carve a path forward for living with COVID-19.” 

Priority non-urgent health care services will begin May 1. This includes certain elective surgeries and other priority services (e.g. cardiac supports, cancer screening) and select health service providers including, for example, physiotherapists, optometrists, opticians, chiropractors, foot care providers, occupational therapy and naturopaths. Where possible and feasible, other health care delivery will continue virtually. 

Also beginning May 1, outdoor gatherings and non-contact outdoor recreational activities of no more than five individuals from different households, while maintaining physical distancing, will be permitted. This includes recreational fishing, golf courses and current PEI residents going to their own seasonal properties. In addition, select outdoor and construction services – landscaping, road construction, indoor construction projects, watershed clean-up and outdoor photography – will be allowed with proper physical distancing practices in place. 

For the foreseeable future, border screening will continue at points of entry and all persons entering the province will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. 

Visitor restrictions in long-term care facilities will be maintained as well as priority public services, child care for essential service workers and home-based learning options. 

Further information about the plans for the education system and student learning will be provided later this week. 

Renew PEI, Together is a general plan for Prince Edward Island. However, organizations and businesses are not required to re-open at the initiation of the relevant phase and may choose to continue operations in a manner and timeline they are comfortable with. Any organization or business that is unsure may seek direction from the Chief Public Health Office.  

Media Contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder:

Phase 1 (starting May 1, 2020)    

• Traveler screening in place at points of entry to PEI and self-isolation requirements
• Limited outdoor gatherings of no more than 5 individuals involving people from different households
• Priority non-urgent health care services
• Non-contact outdoor recreational activities
• Select outdoor and construction services
• Child care for essential service workers
• Priority public services
• Home-based learning options, with some limited activities
• Visitor restrictions in place at long-term care facilities 

Phase 2 (starting May 22, 2020)

• Traveler screening in place at points of entry to PEI and self-isolation requirements
• Limited indoor gatherings of no more than 5 individuals and outdoor gatherings of no more  than 10 individuals involving people from different households
• Additional non-urgent health care services
• Non-contact indoor recreational activities
• Retail businesses and select indoor services
• Unlicensed and licensed child care centres
• Additional public services
• Home-based learning options, with some limited activities
• Visitor restrictions in place at long-term care facilities 

Phase 3 (potential June 12, 2020)

• Traveler screening in place at points of entry to PEI and self-isolation requirements
• Gatherings of no more than 15 people indoor and 20 people outdoor; including religious gatherings (potential)
• Continued transition to increased non-urgent health services
• Organized recreational activities, recreational facilities and services, public spaces (potential)
• Additional personal services, in-room dining and accommodations for PEI residents only (potential)
• Unlicensed and licensed child care centres
• Further public services
• Home-based learning options, with some limited activities
• Visitor restrictions in place at long-term care facilities

Phase 4 (looking ahead)

• Further relaxation of measures as situation permits

Public Guidance for All Phases:

• Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice
• Maintain physical distancing of 2 m (6 ft) with individuals who are not part of one’s household
• Adhere to mass gathering limits (see Phases)
• Stay home when ill and call 811 promptly if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%-80% alcohol
• Don’t touch face with unwashed hands
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, and wash your hands directly after
• Ensure enhanced cleaning and disinfection of commonly touched surfaces
• With employer’s support, continue working from home and encourage others to do the same
• Continue to use online, home delivery, and curbside pick-up shopping options where available
• Co-workers and neighbours can carpool or share drives if physical distancing is maintained
• Vulnerable individuals should exercise caution and minimize high-risk exposures
• Avoid interaction with immune-compromised and vulnerable populations
• Limit personal non-essential travel
• Consider wearing non-medical masks in certain situations e.g. public transit
• Keep a log of interactions to self-monitor and to facilitate contact testing should a case be detected