COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Saturday, Jan. 23
CBC News | Posted: January 23, 2021 2:43 PM | Last Updated: January 23, 2021
Larger organized gatherings now permitted, but household gatherings still limited to 10
Larger organized gatherings and later hours for bars and restaurants are now allowed as P.E.I. eased some of its COVID-19 restrictions effective Saturday.
There have been no reported cases of influenza on P.E.I. this season, as well as fewer cases of coughs and colds, which the Chief Public Health Office credits to "unintended impacts" of pandemic restrictions.
With cough and cold season all but non-existent this year because of COVID-19 health measures, Honibe lozenge-maker Island Abbey Foods has laid off 30 staff.
Despite those layoffs, it's been a banner year for P.E.I.'s biosciences sector, with more than 200 new jobs in 2020, and seven Island bioscience companies planning major expansions this year.
The total number of positive COVID-19 cases reported on P.E.I. remains 110, with seven still active. There have been no deaths or hospitalizations.
New Brunswick announced 17 new cases on Saturday. There are now 328 active cases in the province. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador had no new cases Saturday.
Also in the news
- There's been a reorganization in the top ranks at Health PEI, after lessons learned about improved workflow during COVID-19.
- Dr. Michael Gardam is now Health P.E.I.'s new chief operating officer, and said he wants to find out why P.E.I. continues to struggle with a shortage of family physicians and nurses.
- The Charlottetown Islanders' games this weekend against the Cape Breton Eagles have been cancelled due to travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Islanders haven't played since the Atlantic bubble was suspended in November, and it's uncertain when they'll play again.
- The government is opening work and study hubs across P.E.I. to provide workspaces and reliable internet access to people who need it, amid changes to the way people are working during the pandemic.
Further resources
- Here is a chart of COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. since March, 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.