CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Prince Edward Island’s chief public health officer reported no new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the province on Tuesday.
During her weekly briefing, Dr. Heather Morrison also noted there is currently one active case in the province and that the individual is self-isolating with mild symptoms.
Across Canada, though, it’s a different story. Morrison said there were almost 18,000 new cases in the past week – a nine-per-cent increase from the previous week.
“The second wave of COVID-19 is well underway in Canada,” said Morrison. “To date (on) P.E.I., we have been spared the devastating impacts of COVID-19, but one super spreader of an event could tax our capacity to conduct contact tracing and provide the necessary critical care for Islanders with COVID-19 and those with non-COVID-related critical care needs.”
The goal is to avoid or limit a second wave on P.E.I., said Morrison, who described P.E.I. as being in a slow burn phase, where there are sporadic cases but never getting to the point of large numbers or overwhelming the health system.
Morrison said the attitudes and behaviour of Islanders will determine the impact COVID-19 has on the province.
Compliance
Compliance
Morrison covered a wide range of topics during her briefing, including the importance of Prince Edward Islanders continuing to comply with public health measures with respect to gathering sizes and following self-isolation requirements. Morrison said these are serious concerns, and officials are taking steps to address them.
“To date, our enforcement partners have issued 56 charges, 166 warnings and completed 526 checks at residences,” said Morrison. “Of the 56 charges, three relate to hosting large parties, and we know that large gatherings continue to take place, indoors and outdoors. This behaviour puts the health of all Islanders at risk.”
Halloween
Even though everyone is in a worldwide pandemic, Morrison is urging Islanders to have a fun and safe Halloween. She asked Islanders to be careful and respect precautions such as having children visit only people they know, practise physical distancing as much as possible, not crowd the door at houses and, if need be, stand back and wait their turn.
“A no-contact pick-up option is recommended, with treats being placed on a table or other surface that can easily be disinfected,” said Morrison. “Children should not have the option of taking treats from a communal bowl.”
Morrison also said only one person in the house is encouraged to hand out treats, and they are encouraged to wash their hands frequently as well as wear a non-medical mask.
Christmas plans
Family members who wish to travel home from outside the Atlantic bubble for the Christmas holidays must receive pre-travel approval under the family connection stream, and they will have to self-isolate for 14 days when they arrive on P.E.I.
“I know many Islanders are hoping family members will be able to travel to P.E.I. without having to self-isolate," said Morrison. "But given (that) the second wave of COVID-19 is well underway in our country and as evidenced by the record-breaking daily counts in many provinces, at this point, we will be maintaining the legal requirement to self-isolate for 14 days on P.E.I. for the foreseeable future."
Community rinks
As community rinks open up across the province, Morrison said each facility has its operational plan based on design and specifications. She said there is “no one size fits all approach for rinks” and that the safety of everyone is the No. 1 priority.
She also said steps are in place for the safe use of common rooms in apartment buildings and senior housing.
While community card games are permitted, which Morrison described as important social events, especially for seniors, players should stay at one table as much as possible. They should also wear a non-medical mask, have sanitizer available at each table as players are handling cards and space out as much as possible.
Remembrance Day
With Remembrance Day fast approaching, Morrison expects to provide more details in next week’s update. She did say this year’s services and parades will not look the same as in previous years and that public health measures connected to gatherings will be in effect.
