Second round of COVID-19 test results related to a positive case are negative

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed the second round of test results for close contacts of a positive case of COVID-19 at Charlottetown Rural High School have come back negative to date – this includes results for all close contacts at the school.  

The positive case, announced on Saturday, November 28, is a male student at the high school. Close contacts of the individual were initially tested last weekend. Close contacts include those who the individual spent extended time with, such as family, close friends, classmates he sat near, and hockey teammates. All close contacts are being followed daily by public health and will remain in self-isolation for the remainder of the 14 days regardless of the negative results.

Anyone else who was tested as a casual contact, and received a negative result, should continue to closely monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and visit a drop-in testing clinic if symptoms develop.  

Yesterday, Premier King announced in the Legislative Assembly that Prince Edward Island’s participation in the Atlantic Travel Bubble is being suspended for an additional two weeks, until at least December 21, 2020, to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in the province and region. 

Dr. Morrison is reminding all Islanders of the importance of getting tested if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, and to 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 five active cases of COVID-19 and since the onset of the pandemic there has been 73 positive cases of COVID-19 in the province.

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:

• 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 
• Keep your circle of contacts small 
• Wear a mask in closed, indoor public spaces 
• Physical distance - stay two meters (6 feet) apart 
• Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles 
• Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops 
• Visit a drop-in-clinic to be tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms 

Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
shughes@gov.pe.ca