COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of April 3

Some Islanders can now get their second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

CBC P.E.I. takes a look at how the Island is faring in the pandemic compared to other provinces, and finds it is not an easy question to answer.

P.E.I.'s Public Schools Branch says it is upping its recruitment efforts and has lowered the education requirements to work as a substitute teacher on the Island — all in response to ongoing COVID-19 staffing challenges in classrooms.

The Island's teachers' federation says sick calls related to COVID-19 continue to create staffing challenges, sometimes leaving students without specialized supports.

The restaurant buffet is back, but don't forget your mask.

Travis Saunders, a kinesiology professor at the University of Prince Edward Island, speaks with CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin on breaking the cycle of sedentary behaviour made worse by the pandemic.

P.E.I. is keeping mask mandates until at least April 28, Premier Dennis King announced at a news briefing on Tuesday. Many other restrictions, such as limits on personal and organized gatherings, were lifted on Wednesday.

Islanders are reacting with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

King spoke with CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin about the state of COVID-19 in the province and his own experience with the disease.

Linda Duxbury, a business professor at Carleton University, speaks about what can be expected when employees transition from their home offices back to the workplace. 

A COVID outbreak at Kings County Memorial Hospital has reduced hours at the emergency department. The local MLA is calling on the government to set up a walk-in clinic for the area.

The Opposition is urging the P.E.I. government to maintain requirements that students, teachers and other staff members wear masks in Island schools and on school buses.

MLAs are creating a double standard regarding mask use by removing masks in the legislature, say Green MLAs.

As of Tuesday, there were 14 people in hospital who were admitted due to COVID-19, including three in intensive care. Another 16 were admitted for other reasons and were positive for the coronavirus at or after admission. The province was averaging 367 cases a day over the previous seven days.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

• New Brunswickers aged 50 or older will be able to get another booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine starting April 19.
• Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his government is revisiting the temporary provincial paid sick leave program in light of the jump in COVID-19 cases in the province.
• Newfoundland and Labrador reported two more deaths due to COVID-19 on Friday, raising the total to 124 overall, with 14 so far just this month.

Top news from last week

• P.E.I. Premier Dennis King announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 in a tweet published Wednesday morning.
• A group of researchers advising the Canadian government is recommending people continue to wear masks in high-risk settings — even if provincial health officials drop mask mandates. Watch video here.
• COVID-19 is presenting challenges so dire for P.E.I.'s six French daycares that some are asking parents to volunteer to keep their children home if daycares don't have enough staff.
• P.E.I. reported two COVID-related deaths in its weekly update on Tuesday. The two deaths are the first the province has reported since the end of February.
• The province has closed its dedicated cough and fever clinics for COVID-19. See below for more information if you need treatment for COVID-19.
• The antiviral treatment Paxlovid is helping keep Islanders out of hospital, says Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.

Other helpful stories

• A timeline of pandemic events on P.E.I.
• 25 events shaping the first 2 years of the pandemic on P.E.I.
• How to treat yourself at home if you get COVID-19
• Here is the latest pandemic mask advice.
• Your COVID-19 rapid test is positive. Now what?
• P.E.I. government bringing back pandemic supports for workers.
• My family caught COVID-19. Here's what I wish I'd known.
• Why COVID-19 vaccination exemptions are rare on P.E.I.

When and where to seek care if you have COVID

P.E.I. closed its specialized cough and fever clinics for COVID-19 at the end of March. Primary care will pass to your doctor, nurse practitioner or a walk-in clinic.

Mild cases can be treated at home with rest.

If you are immunosuppressed or over the age of 50, you can call your primary care provider or 811 within the first five days of your COVID-19 symptoms to see if you may benefit from an antiviral medicine.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you may also arrange an appointment with your doctor, nurse practitioner or a walk-in clinic. You may also call 811 to consult about your symptoms.

If your symptoms are so severe you don't believe you can wait for an appointment, then go to the emergency at your local hospital. If you do not feel you can travel to the hospital safely on your own, call 911.

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• Anyone aged five and up.
• Third shots are available for Islanders 12 and older, six months following their second shot.
• Islanders can book an appointment to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy or a public health clinic.
• You can find more information about how to get a vaccine here.

Reminder about symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• New or worsening cough.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose, sneezing or congestion.
• Headache.
• Muscle, joint or body aches.
• Feeling unwell or unusually tired.
• Acute loss of sense of smell or taste.