COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Friday, July 30

P.E.I.'s auditor general finds weaknesses in the oversight of the government's COVID-19 relief programs, and as cases rise in parts of North America Dr. Heather Morrison again pushes the importance of getting vaccinated.

2 new cases connected to previous cases this week

CBC News · Posted: Jul 30, 2021 6:04 AM EDT | Last Updated: July 30, 2021

P.E.I.'s vaccination program remains on target, says P.E.I. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison. (Bob Edme/The Associated Press)

P.E.I. Auditor General Darren Noonan released a special report Thursday on the government's COVID-19 support programs, and found some weaknesses in oversight.

Prince Edward Island is on track to have 80 per cent of its vaccine eligible population fully vaccinated before August ends, says Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.

Two new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on P.E.I., July 29, but they won't count toward the Island's total, a news release from the Chief Public Health Office said.

P.E.I. health officials are allowing drop-in, last-minute appointments for COVID-19 vaccines, after 2 p.m. at vaccination clinics.

A bedroom in Green Gables with historic furniture and clothing — A new Green Gables tour includes ropes-down access to some rooms. (Jane Robertson/CBC)

The Gold Cup parade and Old Home Week will return this August, although in a scaled-down format that follows COVID-19 guidelines.

There was a massive drop in youth crime on P.E.I. last year, and it may be partly because of the pandemic.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada:

New Brunswick reported seven new COVID-19 cases on Friday and has 19 active cases.
Nova Scotia has one new COVID-19 case on Friday, with nine active in the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador reported no new COVID-19 cases. There are two active cases in the province.

Also in the news

Anne was absent from Green Gables last year due to pandemic restrictions, but she is back this year with a brand new tour.
The Upper Room soup kitchen in Charlottetown began offering takeout during the pandemic, and it was so popular it is continuing the program.
After a cycling couple was almost stuck at the foot of Confederation Bridge because they didn't know the shuttle service had been cancelled during the pandemic, Strait Crossing Bridge apologized and offered a free bridge pass.

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

People over 12.
Islanders over 18 can book an appointment to receive the Moderna vaccine at a pharmacy.

You can find more information about how to get a vaccine here.

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.