Jul
5
2020

Two more positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in Prince Edward Island

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has announced two additional positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to five.

The two additional cases are both men in their 20s and residents of PEI. They are both close contacts of one of the cases reported yesterday, an individual who travelled to Nova Scotia and came in contact with someone from the United States. Contact tracing is now underway for the two new cases.

At this point, there is no evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 in PEI remains low.

The woman in her 20s who is a staff member at Whisperwood Villa identified nine close contacts, all of whom tested negative but will remain in self-isolation for 14 days. A total of 129 residents and 140 staff members of Whisperwood Villa were tested and had a negative test result. All residents and staff will be re-tested later this week as an added precaution. Visitors who were at Whisperwood Villa on Tuesday, June 30 are being contacted to arrange for testing today. The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with Whisperwood Villa.

Over the past 24 hours, extensive contact tracing has been underway and will continue. Contact tracing within 24-48 hours of diagnosis is key to containing the spread of COVID-19.

Every precaution is being taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. This cluster of cases is a clear indication that COVID-19 is still present in the province and Islanders must remain vigilant and continue to be cautious and follow public health measures.

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:

  • Keep your circle of contacts small
  • Physical distance – stay 6 feet apart 
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well
  • If ill with acute respiratory symptoms, call 811 to be assessed
  • Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Don’t share items like food, drinking glasses and water bottles
  • Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops

Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact their family physician, nurse practitioner or call 8-1-1.

Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5610
shughes@gov.pe.ca

General Inquiries

Department of Health and Wellness
4th Floor North, Shaw Building
105 Rochford Street
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 7N8

Phone: 902-368-6414
Fax: 902-368-4121

DeptHW@gov.pe.ca