COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of Sept. 26

P.E.I. announced three new COVID-19 cases on Friday, all related to travel outside the province. It also said testing clinic hours would be extended this weekend in response to increased test demand due to new travel requirements.

The province unveiled more details about the P.E.I. Vax Pass, which will be required at a number of businesses and events starting next Tuesday. Here's a look at how to get the pass, and how it will work.

The union representing the Island's paramedics says a "vaccinate-or-test" policy is in the works for its members.

The Lennox Island First Nation said it was making vaccines mandatory for employees who work with children.

Three COVID-19 cases were announced on Thursday. One of the individuals who tested positive recently traveled outside Atlantic Canada, while the other two cases are still under investigation.

Sports organizations in the province are closely watching public health rules and guidance as they consider attending games and tournaments off-Island.

Here's a list of where you will — and won't — need to show proof of vaccination on P.E.I. starting Oct. 5.

Beginning Sept. 30, anyone entering P.E.I., regardless of age or vaccination status, will be required to be tested for COVID-19, Dr. Heather Morrison said during a public health briefing.

Marion Dowling, P.E.I.'s chief of nursing, spoke with CBC News: Compass host Steve Bruce about the new testing requirements for people coming to P.E.I.

The UPEI Faculty Association is concerned about how people learned about a case of COVID-19 at the university.

The province released its economic recovery plan, but the Opposition Greens say it doesn't do enough to support workers.

Couples planning fall weddings on P.E.I. are facing some difficult and awkward questions with unvaccinated guests allowed to attend the ceremony, but not the reception.

The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce says a recent survey of members shows there are a lot of questions surrounding the implementation of the P.E.I. Vax Pass.

With the number of COVID-19 cases rising in Atlantic Canada and across the province, Islanders are being advised to avoid non-essential travel off-Island.

P.E.I. crafters are growing concerned that large craft fairs will be cancelled again this Christmas.

Islanders are spending more time outside during the pandemic, and researchers are looking into what impact that is having on wildlife.

One new case of COVID-19 was announced over the weekend, and it came with a number of potential exposure sites.

The Atlantic premiers have changed a planned in-person meeting to a virtual one.

A young family talked to CBC News after emerging from self-isolation following the outbreak at West Royalty School.

More than 86 per cent of people on P.E.I. who are eligible to be vaccinated have received two doses.

There are 11 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. P.E.I. has had 302 positive cases since the pandemic began.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

• New Brunswick announced 85 new COVID-19 cases and one death Friday. The province has 209 active cases.
• Newfoundland and Labrador reported 41 new cases since its last update on Wednesday, as well as two deaths. There are now 180 active cases in N.L.
• Nova Scotia said it's confirmed 77 new COVID-19 cases since it last reported Wednesday. The province's total active case count is 240.

Top news from last week

• P.E.I.'s children and youth advocate says the province's back-to-school plan relegated children to second-class status.
• Marvin Bernstein's office was one of a number of groups that were given little time to provide feedback on the report, including the P.E.I. Teachers' Union.
• King said at a briefing Tuesday the West Royalty outbreak "appears to be contained." The province also announced three new COVID-19 cases on the Island, two related to the outbreak.
• During the briefing, King announced that a "vaccinate-or-test" policy for government workers at vulnerable facilities will come into effect Friday. The policy would target staff in classrooms, correctional facilities, early learning facilities and group homes.
• King also said his government is working to create a P.E.I. Vax Pass which would be needed for many places, including restaurants, where large gatherings occur. The province is looking to implement it by Oct. 5.

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• People over 12.
• Islanders over 18 can book an appointment to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy.
• 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:

• Fever.
• Cough or worsening of a previous cough.
• Possible loss of taste and/or smell.
• Sore throat.
• New or worsening fatigue.
• Headache.
• Shortness of breath.
• Runny nose.