COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, June 2
Phase 4 weeks away
P.E.I. began accepting applications from seasonal residents to come to their summer homes Monday, and has already received more than 700 requests.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison discussed the applications during a regular pandemic briefing Tuesday morning.
Morrison also announced essential workers travelling between New Brunswick and P.E.I. are having to self-isolate again.
Morrison said the change is in response to the outbreak in northern New Brunswick.
"It's another example that it just takes one person," she said.
A few weeks ago, P.E.I. allowed essential workers from New Brunswick, unlike those from other areas, to travel back and forth with some freedom, but now they must self-isolate as others do.
They will be allowed in the workplace, but must self-isolate while not at work.
While Phase 2 and Phase 3 of easing restrictions were less than two weeks apart, Morrison said Islanders would have to wait longer for Phase 4.
She anticipates it will be some time around the end of June or beginning of July.
That phase will likely include allowing larger gatherings.
"I remain cautious and, I'll be honest, a little worried, about what may happen in the next few weeks, the next couple of weeks, as we've opened up," said Morrison.
She said it remains important for people to be quick to consider getting tested if they get sick.
Other recent news
In the legislature Tuesday, the Liberals pressed for details on the plan for students this fall.
Teachers can now meet with students in the classroom for individual appointments.
More visitor restrictions have been eased at P.E.I. health facilities.
The Festival of Small Halls may be revived this summer in the form of drive-in style performances.
Phase 3 of P.E.I.'s ease-back plan began Monday. Here's what people had to say as new spaces opened up, both inside and outside, and here's what it looked like.
Here's a quick overview of some of the changes in pandemic restrictions Monday.
Some groups — such as recreational sports leagues — are facing challenges. "We're dealing with a lot of unknowns right now, and so you're trying to adapt the best you can," Gemma Koughan of Sport P.E.I. told CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin.
Choirs, still not permitted to perform together, are longing for the day when they can spread their joy again.
P.E.I. has had 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19. All have recovered. More than 6,600 tests for COVID-19 have been done on P.E.I.
Also in the news
- Restaurants were able to open for inside dining with certain restrictions in place, though some chose to stick with takeout for the time being.
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The P.E.I. Women's Institute is raising money for the QEH Foundation by making non-medical masks.
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Despite the pandemic, construction investment was up in March on P.E.I.
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Oyster fishermen protested a lack of buyers. They want more help from the government.
Further resources
- Here is information for living with the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. — including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, and essential health services.
- Here is a chart tracking COVID-19 numbers and a timeline of COVID-19-related events on P.E.I.