COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of Feb. 27

On Friday, P.E.I. reported a total of 4,159 active cases with 1,029 new cases since the last update on Wednesday. The average daily case count for the last seven days is 416. Two people are in hospital due to COVID-19, and four others were admitted for other reasons and later tested positive.

P.E.I. launched a new tourism strategy and $5 million marketing campaign Friday that it hopes will cash in on a pent-up demand for travel after two tough years due to COVID-19.

The Green Party says P.E.I. is not doing enough to address school staff absences caused by COVID-19.

Music P.E.I. Week concerts, which were supposed to begin Wednesday, have been cancelled for this year, after organizers said there were just too many positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts among staff and performers.

In an interview with CBC News: Compass, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison said cases of COVID-19 have surged on P.E.I. because of relaxed public health measures, and that was expected. She says although cases are high, hospitalizations remain relatively low. 

MLAs unanimously passed a motion in the legislature asking the province to investigate the consequences of long COVID.

Some Islanders are taking it upon themselves to ask for proof of vaccination from customers at their businesses despite it no longer being a requirement across the province.

UPEI and Holland College have announced they will be keeping their vaccination policies in place at least until the end of the semester.

Long-term care residents say they feel conflicted as COVID-19 restrictions in such facilities are set to ease.

The P.E.I. Chief Public Health Office announced the province's 16th COVID-related death of the pandemic Monday, a person aged 80 or older.

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

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.

The Public Schools Branch has also stopped posting potential exposure notifications on its website. It said with the rise in COVID-19 cases across the province, potential exposures can be assumed at all schools.

Effective Monday, P.E.I. has discontinued the Vax Pass and is removing isolation requirements for unvaccinated travellers. That's a relief for some. For others, it's a cause for concern.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

• New Brunswick recorded another COVID-related death Friday, and the number of people in hospital, in intensive care and on a ventilator all increased slightly.
• Nova Scotia reported four deaths related to COVID-19 Friday in what is expected to be the last daily update from the province during the pandemic.
• The number of people in hospital because of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador stayed relatively flat on Friday, despite a small rise in the number of reported cases.

Top news from last week

• The P.E.I. budget forecasts moderate growth as the province eases its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The province is updated its self-isolation guidance for close contacts. Some have said requiring close contacts to isolate after exposures was creating challenges for child-care centres and families.
• The spring sitting of the P.E.I. Legislature started Tuesday using a hybrid model to meet.
• Cruise ships will be back in Charlottetown Harbour this spring for the first time in two years.
• The Charlottetown Islanders and Summerside Western Capitals headed back to their rinks for the first time in more than two months over the long weekend, with hopes that the teams will be able to make up for financial losses caused by the pandemic.

Other helpful stories

• A timeline of pandemic events 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.

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.

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.