Two new positive cases of COVID-19 in PEI

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

The individuals are both males in their 20s.  One was a close contact of a previously announced case who initially tested negative and after developing mild symptoms, he tested positive. He remains in self-isolation and is followed daily by public health. The other man was at a public exposure site over a week ago who also initially tested negative, and after developing mild symptoms, he tested positive. The man is now in self-isolation and close contacts are being tested and followed-up by public health. All close contacts are required to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the positive case.

“There are now more active cases of COVID-19 in PEI than we had at any other point in the pandemic, and I remain concerned about the current outbreak in our province,” said Dr. Morrison. “All Islanders are encouraged to respect the circuit breaker measures that are in place, including keep your circle of contacts small, stay home when not feeling well, and maintain a physical distance from people outside your household.”

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 26 active cases of COVID-19 and has had a total of 141 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