Three New Cases Announced; COVID-19 Update for Prince Edward Island

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has announced three new cases of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island.

The individuals, two people under the age of 19 and one person in their 40s, are linked to a previously announced case. These individuals have been in self-isolation since being identified as close contacts. They will remain in isolation for an additional 14 days and will continue to be followed by public health daily. 

As of Saturday, 21,712 doses of vaccine have been administered in PEI. This week individuals between the ages of 65 and 69 and those over the age of 60 with underlying medical conditions are able to book their appointments. 

Beginning Monday, April 5, Islanders between the ages of 60 and 64 can book their appointments by birthdate:

• Beginning Monday, April 5 – those born between January and March;
• Beginning Tuesday, April 6 – those born between April and June;
• Beginning Wednesday, April 7 – those born between July and September; and 
• Beginning Thursday, April 8 – those born between October and December. 

Vaccination appointments can be booked using our online booking system or by calling 1-844-975-3303.

Individuals scheduled to receive their vaccines at the large vaccination clinics are reminded that clinic locations in Charlottetown and Summerside have changed. Those who have an appointment in Charlottetown are advised to go to the Eastlink Centre and those who have an appointment in Summerside are advised to go to the Holland College Waterfront Campus. Clinic locations in O’Leary, Montague and Souris are unchanged. 

Without evidence of community transmission and, in recognition of the high rates of immunization for residents in long term care and community care facilities, the following measures will be eased on 
April 1:

• Designated visitors can visit in designated areas or in the resident’s room;
• Residents can attend church services in a community setting following specific guidance, and;   
• Facilities can resume church services for residents, following the worship service guidance, available on the website.

Like last year, the Easter Bunny will be able to visit children in PEI. Islanders are asked to keep Easter gatherings small and respect the public health measures, including maintaining physical distancing.  

Provided COVID-19 case counts remain low in the region and outbreaks are contained, the Atlantic Bubble is still set to re-open by April 19. When the Atlantic Bubble reopens, residents living in other Atlantic provinces will be required to complete a declaration prior to arriving in PEI. Island residents travelling within the bubble will not be required to complete a declaration prior to returning to PEI. All travelers entering PEI, residents included, will complete a general COVID screening at the point of entry. 

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

Prince Edward Island currently has 14 active cases of COVID-19 and has had 159 positive cases 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:

• 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