COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of Feb. 13

The province will be providing less frequent COVID-19 updates going forward, with updates now scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Outbreaks at the Community Hospital O'Leary and Prince County Correctional Centre are now over and as of Thursday, there are two people in hospital treated for COVID-19, according to the Chief Public Health Office.

The Charlottetown Islanders and Summerside Western Capitals will welcome fans back to their rinks this weekend for the first time in more than two months, with hope that it will make up for financial losses caused by the pandemic.

Thursday marks the first day in P.E.I.'s plan to ease public health measures, with changes in personal gathering limits and travel restrictions for fully-vaccinated travellers.

A person between 40 and 59 is the 15th COVID-related death of the pandemic, P.E.I. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced in a news release Wednesday.

Two seniors' homes, including Garden Home in Charlottetown where a COVID-19 outbreak was declared over on Tuesday, are found to be operating with provisional licences, which means they have been unable to meet all provincial standards of care.

Outbreaks at the Community Hospital O'Leary and Prince County Correctional Centre were declared over Thursday.

Two years into the pandemic, women are still facing increased pressures from COVID-19 when it comes to stress over caregiving, food insecurity and money, according to the P.E.I. Council on the Status of Women.

The Emergencies Act announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in response to ongoing protests against pandemic restrictions might be needed elsewhere, but not on P.E.I., said Premier Dennis King.

Tourism operators on P.E.I. are seeing a jump in bookings for the upcoming season since the government announced the plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions.

After taking his 74th COVID-19 test this week, a P.E.I. rotational worker shares what it's like to have his nose swabbed for the virus dozens of times and how it helps him see what life is like for those working in testing facilities.

Wait times for P.E.I.'s telehealth service — also known as 811 — soared during the height of Omicron, according to the Nova Scotia-based company that has a contract with the Island's Department of Health and Wellness to provide the service.

A convoy made up of Islanders protesting vaccine mandates rolled through downtown Charlottetown Saturday afternoon.

During that convoy, a Charlottetown-area veteran stood guard in front of the city's cenotaph for several hours.

Health P.E.I. vaccination clinics and pharmacies are taking appointments for this week.

There are 2,118 active cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I. and there have been 11,491 total cases. Over the last seven days there have been an average of 217 new cases per day.

Public exposure and flight notifications have been paused by the provincial government. Under current conditions, the province says all public places should be considered potential exposure sites.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

• New Brunswick has loosened its COVID-19 restrictions, entering Level 1 of its winter plan this Saturday. On Friday, the province reported one COVID-related death and said eight people were in intensive care.
• Nova Scotia reported 54 individuals in designated COVID-19 hospital units Sunday, including 12 in intensive care.
• Newfoundland and Labrador hospitalizations dropped down to 13 people on Friday. Five people are in intensive care. The province also announced it will be providing less frequent COVID-19 updates.

Top news from last week

• The P.E.I. government has approved a three-step plan to navigate through COVID-19 restrictions beginning Feb. 17, Premier Dennis King said Tuesday during a news briefing.
• Officials say most COVID-related deaths in P.E.I. have involved long-term care facility residents.
• The pandemic has caused some challenges for international students in P.E.I.
• The Chief Public Health Office is making plans to update its guidance on rapid testing to include the option to swab both your throat and nose.
• The growing list of possible COVID-19 exposures in Island schools since last week's reopening  hasn't led to outbreaks or closures. 

Other helpful stories

• 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.

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.

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• Anyone aged five and up.
• Third shots are available for Islanders 18 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.

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.