COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, Dec. 22
CBC News | Posted: December 22, 2020 11:02 AM | Last Updated: December 23, 2020
Walk-in testing clinics on P.E.I. will have limited hours for the holidays
In the final planned COVID-19 briefing for Prince Edward Island in 2020, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison laid out more details on the Island's vaccination plan, while Chief of Nursing Marion Dowling said walk-in testing clinics will have reduced holiday hours and urged Islanders to check the province's site before heading out for testing.
Morrison also gave details on increased pandemic enforcement, including 55 random checks on those in self-isolation over the last few days resulting in three people being under investigation, and the inspection of 32 businesses over the weekend bringing to light problems with six of them.
The province announced Tuesday it is offering cash to community halls to help them get through COVID-19 in the New Year.
CBC P.E.I. launched the first in a series of stories with Islanders who've made a difference in the lives of others during the pandemic, starting with the CEO of P.E.I. Seniors Homes, Jason Lee, who said that at one point he slept in his barn for fear of spreading the virus to his family.
It won't be the Christmas they hoped for, but residents of long-term care homes on P.E.I. are pleased that visitor restrictions have been lifted somewhat in time for Christmas.
P.E.I.'s COVID-19 vaccination clinic is going smoothly, vaccinating 250 to 300 people a day, said Karen Ellis, the program lead for public health nursing on P.E.I., in an interview with CBC News: Compass.
Organizers with the volunteer group Santa's Angels say demand for Christmas-morning visits from Santa, complete with presents and food, is up again this year on Prince Edward Island.
Afraid of needles, including the COVID-19 vaccine? It's more common than people think, says clinical psychologist Katie Birnie, who offered suggestions for coping with needle fear.
The Island has had 91 positive cases, with seven active. There have been no deaths or hospitalizations in the province.
Also in the news
- The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League says its 12 Quebec-based teams will resume play next month in Chicoutimi, Drummondville, Rimouski and Shawinigan, and said it hopes its six teams in Atlantic Canada can resume as soon as Jan. 21.
- If you're having a smaller holiday meal than usual, check out ideas for what to cook from two Island chefs.
- Here's how some Islanders are changing plans for Christmas dinner because of gathering restrictions.
- Larger gatherings can now be held at places of worship and hockey games can go ahead, though in some cases no spectators will be allowed.
Further resources
- Here is information for living with the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. — including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures and essential health services.
- 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.