COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of May 15

P.E.I. hospitals appear to be through the worst of the recent Omicron wave of COVID-19, says Health P.E.I. CEO Dr. Michael Gardam.

How we're coming out of the pandemic is helping to drive inflation.

With more flights coming into Charlottetown, the airport is hoping to avoid the long lineups plaguing other parts of Canada.

P.E.I. has recorded its 33rd COVID-related death of pandemic, according to weekly stats released Tuesday.

Not as many P.E.I. children are enrolled in the province's new universal pre-K program, and the pandemic may be playing a role in that.

People aged 60 and older are now eligible for a second COVID-19 booster vaccine, four months after receiving their first.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Unit 2 is closed to most new admissions following a COVID-19 outbreak there.

Golf season is in full swing on P.E.I. with most of the province's courses open for business.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

In New Brunswick, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of five more people in the past week, figures released by the province Tuesday show.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, one more person has died since Friday, as the province introduces new regulations to prevent serious illness in older and immunocompromised people.

In Nova Scotia, the chief of pediatrics at Atlantic Canada's largest children's hospital warned Thursday that his facility is already stretched to its limits as the provincial government announced masks would no longer be required inside schools beginning next week.

Top news from last week

• Some Islanders have been surprised by a demand for the repayment of CERB, and are uncertain how they will manage it.
• Health P.E.I. has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on the Western Hospital inpatient unit in Alberton.
• Six more people with COVID-19 have died on P.E.I. Last week was the deadliest of the pandemic in the province. The previous weekly high was two.
• Young people on P.E.I. were so severely impacted by the social circumstances and policy regulations around managing the COVID-19 pandemic that they behaved as if they were ill even if they weren't, according to new research.

Other helpful stories

• A timeline of pandemic events on P.E.I.
• 25 events shaping the first 2 years of the pandemic 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.

When and where to seek care if you have COVID

P.E.I. closed its specialized cough and fever clinics for COVID-19 at the end of March. Primary care will pass to your doctor, nurse practitioner or a walk-in clinic.

Mild cases can be treated at home with rest.

If you are immunosuppressed or over the age of 50, you can call your primary care provider or 811 within the first five days of your COVID-19 symptoms to see if you may benefit from an antiviral medicine.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you may also arrange an appointment with your doctor, nurse practitioner or a walk-in clinic. You may also call 811 to consult about your symptoms.

If your symptoms are so severe you don't believe you can wait for an appointment, then go to the emergency at your local hospital. If you do not feel you can travel to the hospital safely on your own, call 911.

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• Anyone aged five and up.
• Third shots are available for Islanders 12 and older, six months following their second shot.
• Fourth shots are available for Islanders 60 and older, four months following their third 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.