Three new cases of COVID-19 in PEI; Health Canada approves Pfizer vaccine for children age 5-11

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

“It is extremely important that all Island residents and visitors get tested for COVID-19 as soon as they experience any symptoms of the virus, even if those symptoms are mild. If symptoms develop, individuals should not attend work or school, they should isolate until they are able to be tested at a testing clinic and continue isolating until they receive a negative result,” said Dr. Morrison.

“Rapid antigen screening tests are useful for children experiencing a single symptom who do not have easy access to a drop-in testing clinic. Adults and anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should visit a drop-in testing site for a PCR test. A PCR test is the only way an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19.”

Two of the individuals are in their 30s and are linked to previously announced cases in the Prince County area of the province. One of the individuals has been isolating and has no close contacts; contact tracing is underway for the other case.  

The cluster of COVID-19 cases in Prince County has included a total of nine cases to date. A second round of testing for close contacts linked to the cases is now underway. The cluster involves a workplace; however, it is not a public exposure site. All close contacts will be contacted directly by public health and advised of testing and isolation requirements. 

The third case is an individual in their 20s and this case is currently under investigation. 

Prince Edward Island currently has 12 active cases of COVID-19 and has had 339 positive cases since the pandemic began.

Health Canada approves Pfizer vaccine for children age 5-11

Today, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, was approved for pediatric use by Health Canada's Food and Drug Regulations, the mechanism used to approve all vaccines and drugs in use Canada. The approval of a safe and effective vaccine for Canadian children is another important tool in our COVID-19 pandemic toolbox.

PEI expects to receive 12,000 doses of pediatric vaccine in several shipments starting the middle of next week. There will be enough vaccine for all children who want to be immunized. Children will receive two doses of vaccine, with an interval of at least 8 weeks between the first and second doses.

“Having a safe and accessible vaccine for children age 5 and 11 is a positive step in our fight against COVID-19.  The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination are clear,” said Dr. Morrison. “Similar to adults, children can experience severe outcomes from the virus. Being fully immunized is the best way to protect children from COVID-19." 

Information will be made available to parents and guardians on Tuesday, November 23 regarding the location of clinics and how to book appointments. 

As always, all 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.

Anyone age 12 and over can receive their COVID-19 vaccination at one of the Health PEI clinics or they can visit one of the 28 partner pharmacies across the province.  

For information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, including vaccine facts, immunization data and booking an appointment, visit: COVID-19 Vaccines. For answers to commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, visit: Answers to Common COVID-19 Vaccine Questions.

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
• Get vaccinated
• Visit a drop-in-clinic to be tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
• Wear a non-medical mask in indoor places
• Stay home if you are not feeling well
• Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Keep your circle of contacts small
• 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

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