COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of Feb. 6

P.E.I. reported its 14th COVID-related death this weekend. Four people were in hospital due to COVID as of Sunday.

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

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. 

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison has declared an end to the outbreak at the Atlantic Baptist nursing home and in the population that accesses shelter and outreach services in Charlottetown.

The COVID-19 outbreak at Summerset Manor in Summerside has also ended.

The average number of daily COVID-19 cases continues to drop on P.E.I., statistics from Health P.E.I. suggest.

The city of Charlottetown is warning businesses and residents to expect delays because of a "convoy-style protest" scheduled for Saturday.

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.

The quality of life for seniors in P.E.I. quickly dropped when the pandemic was declared in March, 2020 — but things are improving, according to an Island geriatrician. 

For Islanders, a new timeline for the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions is good news — but some immunocompromised people are welcoming the transition with more mixed emotions.

Tourism operators on P.E.I. say the three-step plan is welcome news they hope will lead to the "best summer in years."

The executive director of Sport P.E.I. is also pleased, as this announcement will allow more teams to compete against one another and allow travel off-Island for games. 

The airline Swoop has announced two additional routes for Prince Edward Island for the 2022 summer schedule.

A team from UPEI is getting a half a million dollars to help develop and implement a vaccine support program for the province. 

The outbreak of COVID-19 at the Bevan Lodge community care facility in Charlottetown were declared over Monday. 

An Island woman who is still experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 more than a month after diagnosis said she doesn't feel recovered, even while she is counted as one of P.E.I.'s recovered cases. 

Dr. Trevor Jain spoke with CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin on learning to live with COVID-19.

Fewer surgeries will be delayed this week at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, officials said Monday.

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

The province has 1,773 known active cases of COVID-19 and a total of 10,399 cases since the start of the pandemic.

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 reported four more COVID-related deaths on Sunday. Fifty-nine people have been hospitalized for the virus, with a total 116 hospital patients having tested positive. Fifteen people are in intensive care.
• Nova Scotia announced 76 people were in designated COVID-19 units as of Sunday. Thirteen people are in intensive care.
• Newfoundland and Labrador reported a record 26 hospitalizations on Sunday.

Top news from last week

• The province wants people to know what to do if they are experiencing troublesome symptoms after being diagnosed with COVID-19, or for any respiratory illness.
• Staff at Island schools were getting harassed for following provincial rules in the first week back in class.
• Staffing challenges are having an impact on non-urgent health-care services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown.
• Morrison said she hopes to have restrictions eased in the coming weeks, but that Islanders should remain cautious.

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.