COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Wednesday, April 7

Some seasonal residents on P.E.I. are thrilled at the prospect of coming to the Island this summer without the need to self-isolate for 14 days — provided they have proof of vaccination — while others are hoping the exemption extends to people who don't own property but are coming home to visit family.

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King says the Atlantic bubble is still on track to open April 19.

Dr. Trevor Jain of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital takes your questions on COVID-19, including on vaccine effectiveness, nasal swabs, and self-isolation.

Twelve pharmacies across P.E.I. are preparing to administer the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine for Islanders 55 and over next week.

Officials with Red Shores are buckling in for another spring and summer of harness racing under COVID-19 restrictions.

The Island has had 160 diagnosed cases of COVID-19, with no deaths or hospitalizations. There are eight active cases on the Island. 

Throughout the Atlantic region:

• New Brunswick reported 14 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday and one new death, a man in his 30s. The province has 163 active cases.
• Nova Scotia reported two new cases, bringing its active total to 37.
• Newfoundland and Labrador reported its first new case in almost a week. It has four active cases. 

Also in the news

• A P.E.I. woman who had an allergic reaction to her COVID-19 vaccine is still urging people to get it.
• Installers of pools and hot tubs are being kept busy during the pandemic.

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• People over 65.
• People aged 60-64, with birthdays from January to September.
• People 60-64 with certain specific serious underlying health conditions, and their primary caregivers.
• People providing health care services to the public — including optometrists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists — and their support staff.
• Firefighters, police officers, power-line workers.
• Residents and staff of long-term care homes.
• Adults living in Indigenous communities.
• Residents and staff of shared living facilities.
• Truck drivers and other rotational workers.

Further resources

• Here is a chart of COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. since March 2020, and a timeline of pandemic events.
• Here is a look at how coronavirus is spreading across Canada.

Reminder about symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever.
• Cough or worsening of a previous cough.
• Possible loss of taste and/or smell.
• Sore throat.
• New or worsening fatigue.
• Headache.
• Shortness of breath.
• Runny nose.

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