Two new cases of COVID-19

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

One of the individuals is in between the ages of 10 and 19 and the other is in their 20s. Both cases are related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. Contact tracing has been completed and the individuals are self-isolating. 

There is a flight exposure notification related to one of the cases. Anyone who travelled on Air Canada flight 634 from Toronto on August 8, 2021 arriving in Charlottetown on August 9, should closely monitor for symptoms and if any develop visit a testing clinic.

Prince Edward Island currently has six active cases of COVID-19 and has had 214 positive cases since the onset of the pandemic. Information about the province’s COVID-19 cases is available online.

Since January 93 per cent of PEI’s positive COVID-19 cases were not vaccinated; 5.2 per cent were partially vaccinated and 1.7 per cent were fully vaccinated. Twenty eight of PEI’s cases have been identified as the Alpha variant and three have been identified as the more transmissible Delta variant. 

“Our best protection against the fourth wave is for as many people as possible to be fully vaccinated with two doses, while we continue to focus resources on testing, contact tracing and case management,” said Dr. Morrison. “Along with having high vaccination rates, if we continue to detect cases early and remain vigilant in contact tracing, we can protect Island residents and our health care system from the fourth wave and avoid re-imposing restrictions like gathering limits.”

As of Saturday, August 7, a total of 216,469 doses of vaccine have been administered; 89.4 per cent of the eligible population have received at least one dose of vaccine and 64.6 per cent have received two doses. 

Dr. Morrison is now recommending that individuals get their second dose of vaccine six weeks after the first dose, to protect allow eligible Island residents to be fully vaccinated with two doses as soon as possible.

Anyone who wishes to move their appointment closer to the six week interval can do so through the online booking system. Those without a second dose appointment can book at one of the Health PEI clinics online or by calling 1-844-975-3303. Health PEI clinics are now accepting walk-ins (without appointments) after 2:00 pm each day. Individuals can also go to one of the partner pharmacies to be immunized. 

“If you are still not sure about getting vaccinated against COVID-19, think about doing it for yourself, for your family and friends, for our children, for our seniors and for our businesses.

Being fully vaccinated will minimize the impact of a fourth wave.”

- Dr. Morrison. 

Islanders are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and every Island resident 12 and older who wants to be immunized will have an opportunity to receive the vaccine in 2021. Information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out and appointment booking information is available online.

Since June, there have been 301,600 PEI Pass applications submitted and 98 per cent are completed. 48 per cent of applications are from those travelling within Atlantic Canada, 26 per cent from those travelling from outside Atlantic Canada and 24 per cent are PEI residents. 

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
• 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