Chief Public Health Officer reminds Islanders to stay home as three more cases of COVID-19 confirmed

Chief Public Health, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed three more confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, bringing Prince Edward Island’s total to 21.

The three new cases are all related to international travel. One is a male in his 20s, and the other two are females, one in her 30s and one in her 40s. All three are at home doing well and each self-isolated immediately upon return.

After a written warning was issued by a Conservation Officer yesterday, Summerside Police followed up and issued a ticket to an individual this morning for failing to self-isolate. This is the first fine issued in Prince Edward Island for not complying with the Public Health Order.

Dr. Morrison says anyone looking to visit their summer homes or cottages in PEI should consider waiting until the end of May. She also reminded that no in-person, faith-based gatherings should occur in PEI.

Marion Dowling, Health PEI’s Chief of Nursing, Allied Health and Patient Experience, says Health PEI is sourcing Personal Protective Equipment from vendors locally and around the world. She says Health PEI has the supplies to meet the immediate need and it remains very important to maintain and conserve the supply.

Cough and Fever Clinics and drive-thru testing clinics are now running in Charlottetown and Summerside. Appointments to the cough and fever clinics are through referral from family physicians, nurse practitioners or through 8-1-1 for those without a family doctor. Patients who require a test for COVID-19 should call 8-1-1.

Dowling explained that anyone who lives in a long-term-care facility is being closely monitored and will be a priority for testing for COVID-19 if any symptoms are identified.

Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing. Those requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1.  

For answers to general questions about COVID-19 call 1-833-533-9333 or visit our webpage at: www.princeedwardisland.ca/covid19.

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:

•    Washing hands frequently with soap and water

•    Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue

•    If ill with acute respiratory symptoms, stay home if possible

•    Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth

•    Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles

•    Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops

Media Contact:

Samantha Hughes

Health and Wellness

(902) 368-5610

shughes@gov.pe.ca