Two new positive cases of COVID-19 in PEI; Vaccine rollout update

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

One individual is a female under the age of 19, a close contact of the cases announced on Friday, March 19. She has been in self-isolation since being identified as a close contact and tested positive as part of routine testing. She will continue to isolate and is being followed by public health daily. 

The other individual is a male under the age of 19. He is now in self-isolation. This case is under investigation, and may be related to travel. 

As of Saturday, 18,632 doses of vaccine were administered in Prince Edward Island. 

People between the ages of 70 and 74 are now able to book their vaccination appointments this week, based on their birth months:

• starting yesterday and continuing today – those born January to April;
• starting Wednesday, March 24 – those born May to August; and
• starting Friday, March 26 – those born September to December. 

Those between the ages of 18 and 29 who work with the public and are unable to work virtually can also book their appointments now. 

On Thursday, March 25, those between the ages of 60 and 69 with specific underlying medical conditions can book their appointments.  

Beginning Monday, March 29, those between the ages of 65 and 69 can book their appointments by birthday:

• starting Monday, March 29 – those born in January to March;
• starting Tuesday, March 30 – those born in April to June;
• starting Wednesday, March 31 – those born in July to September; and 
• starting Thursday, April 1 – those born in October to December. 

Only individuals identified during the current stage are able to register online or call to make an appointment for their immunization. Updates on other groups will be shared in the coming weeks. Appointments can be booked online at Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine or by calling 1-844-975-3303. 

Starting Monday, March 29, the Charlottetown vaccine clinic will move to the Eastlink Centre and the Summerside clinic will move to the Holland College building on Water Street. For those who are already booked, all appointment dates and times that have been booked stay the same, only the location of the appointment changes. Appointment reminders will indicate the new location. 

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 eight active cases of COVID-19 and has had 152 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