COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of Jan. 16

Two COVID-related deaths were announced over the weekend, raising the province's total to six. P.E.I. also reported a death on Friday.

With remote learning looking like it may be sticking around for a while, the dean of UPEI's faculty of education says the next generation of teachers needs to be as effective online as they are in the classroom.

P.E.I. announced new restrictions Tuesday — including strict limits to personal gatherings, the continued shutdown of schools and no inside dining at restaurants — as COVID-19 continues to spread across the Island.

Libraries are one of the places that have been allowed to stay open during the shutdown. The P.E.I. Public Library says there's much more to be found through its services than just books.

An infectious disease expert says vaccines are the key to getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in the short-term, restrictions should at least limit the spread.

COVID-19 has become an extra challenge for people facing homelessness.

An air quality report which looked at 69 classroom spaces on campus at UPEI shows some classrooms do not meet current ventilation standards.

Restaurants, gyms and other businesses impacted by new COVID-19 restrictions are eligible for new support programs announced by the province Thursday. People in these industries say the programs are a "big help," even if they don't make up for the loss of income.

The government called for volunteers to work in P.E.I.'s long-term care facilities recently — and it seems Islanders have responded. 

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King says the federal government could step in to help if COVID-19 cases become unmanageable in the province. 

Some restaurants on P.E.I. will have to rely on takeout and delivery for the next two weeks, during a time that many planned to host an annual event that features specialized dishes to help boost business.

Those restaurant restrictions have led to big donations to community fridge.

Families with children in care are getting help with paying to keep their spot in a child care centre even if they are not using it right now.

COVID-19 test results are now available online, both negative and positive.

A pediatrician is calling for an immediate return to in-person learning, saying school closures do more harm than good.

The City of Summerside will adopt its vaccination policy for employees starting Feb. 28.

Health Minister Ernie Hudson is defending his work during the pandemic, saying he has been hard at work on health initiatives behind the scenes. 

A woman with COVID-19 wants to know why she waited hours at the emergency room at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital without being seen. Kendal Winegarden says she was having tightness in her chest, but waited six hours at the ER and left before being examined.

P.E.I.'s Department of Health and Wellness has asked some Public Schools Branch staff to provide resident care worker support at private Charlottetown nursing homes amid a "critical staffing shortage."

The province announced two COVID-related deaths Friday, the province's first fatalities related to the pandemic. 

A Summerside guidance counsellor is providing well-being tips through YouTube videos to help students and their families get through on-line learning and pandemic stress. 

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.

As of Sunday morning, there were 2,484 active COVID-19 cases in P.E.I. There have been 6,125 since the pandemic began.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

• New Brunswick reported two deaths related to COVID-19 on Sunday. There were six deaths reported Saturday. There are 126 people in hospital with 10 in intensive care and six on ventilators.
• Nova Scotia reported Sunday that 85 people are in designated COVID-19 hospital units, including 11 in intensive care. The province confirmed 503 new cases.
• Newfoundland and Labrador said Sunday that 19 people are in hospital due to COVID-19. The province has 361 new cases and 2,656 active cases.

Top news from last week

• The province announced P.E.I. students will not back in classrooms until at least Jan. 24, a move that brought relief to some. 
• Substitute teachers say they are anxious as P.E.I. school closures extended once again.
• Some P.E.I. hair salons, barber shops are doubling down on safety amid Omicron.
• Health P.E.I. says COVID-19 hospital load 'manageable,' but says there are plans in place for more.
• Parents and staff uneasy as outbreaks at child-care centres mount.

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.