Fewer Islanders in hospital with COVID-19 Friday
CBC News | Posted: January 7, 2022 8:06 PM | Last Updated: January 7, 2022
Changes to isolation rules came into effect Friday morning
Two people are in hospital on Prince Edward Island being treated for COVID-19, with one of those in intensive care, according to a written release Friday from P.E.I. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
That's down from Thursday when four Islanders were in hospital due to COVID-19, with one in intensive care.
The number of people in hospital for other reasons who tested positive for COVID-19 is also down from three patients to one.
Morrison also announced 175 new cases of COVID-19 and 116 recoveries for P.E.I.
There are 1,550 active cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I. right now and 2,463 cases total.
She reminded Islanders of shorter isolation periods announced Thursday that came into effect Friday morning. The new rules mean fully-vaccinated Islanders who test positive can now isolate for seven days rather than 10 days following the onset of symptoms or a positive test if not symptomatic.
She also reminded people that Health P.E.I. is now limiting testing for COVID-19, to preserve the capacity of testing clinics. Only people with COVID-19 symptoms and close contacts of positive cases should go to a clinic for testing, along with people who need confirmation of a positive test at an entry point such as the airport or bridge, or confirmation of a rapid antigen test.