Province planning for easing of public health measures 

Premier Dennis King and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison say a phased-in approach to easing back on public health measures in Prince Edward Island could begin as early as May 1.

The approach, called “Re-opening PEI, together”, will focus on public health and safety and requires Islanders to act smartly, cautiously and methodically. The framework for how and when public health measures could be lifted is being developed, ensuring there is time to conduct risk assessments as testing and surveillance continue. 

“Today, we are able to talk about moving toward re-opening our province because Islanders have taken their responsibility seriously, following the public health directions laid out by Dr. Morrison. Prince Edward Island is in a strong, and rather unique, position as we have done very well in containing COVID-19. We are not done yet. We will need to Islanders to continue to be patient, understanding and be part of the process as we cautiously take steps towards easing public health measures. We need to keep Islanders safe, and we need to do it together.”

- Premier Dennnis King

Public health officials are looking at initially easing public measures related to some outdoor activities and non-urgent health care services such as elective surgeries. Before this can happen, several factors will be taken into consideration, including: 

• whether there has been community transmission;
• whether there have been any outbreaks; and,
• supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially at long-term care homes.

“Each of us has a role to play, and it is extremely important that Islanders continue to follow public health measures if we want to gradually lift some of the restrictions currently in place,” said Dr. Morrison. “This phased-in approach to easing public health measures will be dynamic, and will be reviewed and adjusted frequently in order to keep Islanders safe and contain the spread of COVID-19 in our province. It is important that we continue to maintain strong screening measures at points of entry into our province and test anyone experiencing symptoms related to the virus throughout this process in an effort to protect our most vulnerable Islanders.” 

More details on the phased-in approach to easing public health measures will be shared with Islanders in the days and weeks ahead. 

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