On Sunday, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison confirmed 5 new cases of COVID-19 in PEI, with 2 outbreaks — one in Summerside and one in Charlottetown. That means PEI has seen 17 new cases in the past 5 days, and we now have 18 active cases.
As for the 5 newest cases, Dr. Morrison says 2 are males in their 20s, and the three females include 2 in their 20s and one in their 50s.
Three of the new cases are linked to the outbreak in Charlottetown, meaning they are contacts of another positive case.
One of the cases is linked to the outbreak in Summerside. The other case does not appear to be linked to any other case in PEI, but does have a history of travel outside Atlantic Canada.
All 18 of PEI’s active cases are now self isolating and will be followed daily by Public Health.
As a result of the spike of cases in PEI, there are currently over 190 people who have been named as close contacts, and more are expected.
All close contacts have to self-isolate for 14 days following their last known contact with a positive case.
Dr. Morrison says that to date, CPHO has not been able to identify a travel connection with the cases associated with the current outbreak.
She says she remains concerned by the number of new cases and the fact they have not been able to find a link to travel
As a result of the situation with the number of new cases, the province is moving to a Red Level of Alert (with modifications). That is effective at midnight Sunday night, and continues for a three day period ending at midnight on Wednesday.
The following measures are in place for the three-day period:
– No personal gatherings, (each household can associate with two individuals who are consistent for essential support; individuals who live alone can associate with another household)
– No organized gatherings
– Schools, post-secondary institutions and training programs across the province will be closed for the three day period.
– Funerals can have no more than 10 people plus officiants
– All recreational facilities are closed, including gyms, fitness facilities, bingo halls, casinos, museums and libraries
– No organized sports or recreational activities
– Only essential businesses and services are permitted to be open to the public. Examples of services that can remain open to the public include medical and dental services; child care; grocery stores; pharmacies; take-out and delivery of food; utility services; manufacturing and processing; transportation services; gas stations; banks and essential financial institutions; public safety services and liquor stores.
– For essential retail services, operation at 50% of standard operating capacity is permitted with monitoring of entrances and exits to ensure capacity is not exceeded.
– Non-essential businesses, services and organizations that are closed to the public may continue to operate by phone, virtual services, delivery or pickup.
– For residents in long-term care, there are three partners in care and a limited number of visitors permitted
These measures will be reviewed as the situation progresses over the next few days. Dr. Morrison is urging Islanders to stay home unless it is necessary to go out.
The number of advisories regarding possible exposure sites continues to grow. Here is the link to the list provided by the province:
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/potential-covid-19-exposures
