COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of Dec. 26

P.E.I. announced 137 COVID-19 cases on Sunday and 84 recoveries.

New Year's Eve was a big takeout night for some Island restaurants amid an indoor dining drop resulting from the province's COVID-19 restrictions.

175 new COVID-19 cases Friday as Dr. Heather Morrison once again urged Islanders to keep New Year's Eve gatherings small.

On Friday the province's Official Opposition urged the government to communicate its pandemic response more clearly.

Eight Islanders have been fined $1,050 each for refusing to get tested at the Confederation Bridge screening site when returning to the province.

On Thursday, the province announced 169 new cases, as well as new guidance on isolation and preventative measures.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the province, some Island restaurant owners are making the decision to close their doors or limit their offerings.

Schools in P.E.I. will remain closed until at least Jan. 10. Classes will resume online on Jan. 5.

Premier Dennis King announced several supports for workers will be made available again as COVID-19 cases surge on Prince Edward Island. The supports include a school lunch delivery program to help families while schools remain closed.

During a public health briefing Thursday, King said the supports will be reintroduced immediately.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise on P.E.I., some business owners say unexpected sick calls are becoming more frequent. 

Health P.E.I. is working toward formalizing a provincewide bed policy.

All people arriving on P.E.I. now have to self-isolate for at least four days, with the quarantine timeline depending on vaccination status. The province is also mandating early closing of bars and restaurants.

As staff at the Charlottetown Airport reflect on the volatile year that was 2021, they're hoping the worst of the pandemic is now behind them and that 2022 will be the year things return back to normal.

The closure of the Charlottetown Canada Border Services Agency office due to COVID-19 will have "minimal short-term impact," say officials with the Charlottetown Airport.

Citing recent COVID-19 outbreaks and public health measures not allowing tournaments on the Island, the 2022 P.E.I. Scotties Tournament of Hearts has been cancelled.

Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic through 2021 has been particularly difficult for people with disabilities, said the executive director of ResourceAbilities. 

Here is a searchable table of public exposure sites going back three weeks. Use the search box for particular communities or dates.

Citing recent COVID-19 outbreaks and public health measures not currently allowing tournaments on the Island, the 2022 P.E.I. Scotties Tournament of Hearts has been cancelled.

As of Sunday, the province has 867 active cases. There have been 1,503 cases since the pandemic began.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

• New Brunswick reported 682 new COVID-19 cases on Friday and 3,522 total active cases. The province's premier, Blaine Higgs also announced he tested positive for the virus. Non-urgent and elective surgeries have been cancelled amid the surge in cases.
• Nova Scotia reported 1,893 new cases over the weekend.
• Newfoundland and Labrador announced a record 466 new cases on Sunday, and 2,597 active cases. One person is in the hospital. On Saturday, the province had reported 442 new cases.

Top news from last week

• As COVID-19 case counts rise, and along with that an increased need for health-care workers, Health P.E.I.'s CEO says the self isolation rules for health care workers may have to change.
• Some international students at UPEI have decided that given pandemic conditions it is best for them to stay on the Island for the holidays.
• With Islanders facing hours-long waits to get a COVID-19 test, Health P.E.I. is considering new strategies.
• In her year-end interview with CBC News: Compass, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison said the highly contagious Omicron variant might start a transition toward a world where Islanders have learned to live with COVID-19.

The P.E.I. Vax Pass

The P.E.I. Vax Pass is now required at a number of businesses and events. Here's a look at how to get the pass, and how it works.

Here's a list of where you need to show proof of vaccination on P.E.I.

And, here's a look at how the vax pass can protect you.

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• Anyone aged five and up.
• 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.

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:

• 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.