Seven new cases of COVID-19; holiday travel and gatherings guidance; school update

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

One of the individuals is in their 40s, one is in their 30s, three are in their 20s, and two are under the age of 12 years. Two cases are close contacts of previously announced cases and the remaining five cases are related to travel outside of the province, with some still under investigation. 

There are currently 31 active cases of COVID-19 in PEI and there have been 413 cases since the pandemic began. 

Over the past three weeks PEI has seen almost 80 cases, two school related outbreaks, five workplace outbreaks, cases in two early learning/child care centers, 115 close contacts being followed, including 65 children; over 7,600 individuals have been tested in the last three days.

“This situation is serious and while we get this current wave under control, it requires focused attention and intentional behaviors. We are very concerned about the possibility of increased transmission over the holiday season. The choices we make today, and in the days leading up to Christmas, will have an impact on us as individuals, families and the entire province.” 

- Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison

There are steps Island residents and visitors can take to further protect ourselves and others, specifically:

• Travel – If you choose to travel off Island or have out of province visitors over the holidays, it is important to understand the increased risk to yourself, your family and others. Those who are not vaccinated, including children, should not travel off Island. Anyone travelling to PEI should be tested at the point of entry and again on day 4 after arrival. If symptoms develop, isolate and get tested. Island residents are urged to limit travel, appreciating it is important to connect with family and friends.
• Gatherings – Keep personal gatherings and holiday parties as small as possible and keep in mind that COVID-19 is circulating in PEI. Islanders should think twice about attending large personal gatherings where you may not know the vaccine status of others or what public health measures are in place. 
• Get Vaccinated – Despite more cases, there is less serious illness, including hospitalizations, thanks to our high rate of full vaccination. Being vaccinated is our best protection against COVID-19 and its variants. Islanders age 5 and over are eligible to be vaccinated and are encouraged to book appointments to become fully vaccinated. 

Earlier this week, two cases were announced that were linked to Westwood Primary School. Testing has confirmed that there has been in-school transmission of COVID-19 and this situation is now considered in outbreak. 

The Chief Public Health Office has recommended to the Public Schools Branch the following: 

• Westwood Primary School can reopen on Monday, December 13 except for two classes, with those in these classes required to self-isolate as close contacts. Families with children in these classes and impacted staff will be contacted by public health with testing and isolation instructions. Families with on certain buses that travel to Westwood Primary will be contacted by public health regarding the need to have daily rapid antigen tests. Some children who attend the Country Kids Program will also be contacted regarding the  daily rapid antigen test protocol. 
• Ecole La-Belle Cloche can reopen on Monday, December 13. Some students will be on daily home antigen test protocol. Students, staff and volunteers at Ecole La-Belle Cloche should arrange to visit a drop-in testing clinic to have a PCR test if they develop any symptoms and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should not attend school if feeling unwell. The Health PEI pop-up testing clinic will be available at the Souris Hospital on Sunday, December 12 between 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm.
• Schools in Eastern Kings that were closed to allow students time to be tested can reopen on Monday, December 13. 

“Thank you to the many students, staff and families who have been impacted by these school outbreaks, it is never easy to learn you or child may have been exposed to COVID-19 and needs to isolate, especially so close to Christmas. I also want to thank businesses and organizations who have been understanding and supportive of staff and their families who need to isolate,” said Dr. Morrison. “Thank you to those working in the testing clinics and provincial laboratory; public health nursing; and all Health PEI and CPHO staff involved. Our high level of testing, diligent contact tracing and high rate of vaccination are key reasons why PEI continues to fare well.” 

As of Wednesday, December 8, 94.9 per cent of Island residents age 12 years and over have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 91.6 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses. 21.2 per cent of children age 5-11 years have received their first dose. 

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 and those age 18 years or older can visit one of the 28 partner pharmacies across the province. Island children between the ages of five and 11 years can now receive their COVID-19 vaccination at Health PEI clinics.

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
• 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
• 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

Education and Lifelong Learning

(902) 368-6449

agtremere@gov.pe.ca