The Atlantic travel bubble is set to open July 3 and P.E.I. is ready for company, said the chief public health officer on Tuesday.
Dr. Heather Morrison updated Islanders about inter-provincial travel at the weekly news briefing about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Beginning in “the wee hours” of July 3 at 12:01 a.m., residents from P.E.I., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland will be allowed to travel freely within all four provinces, said Morrison.
Travellers arriving on P.E.I. will pass through a checkpoint where they must show identification and a declaration document. Anyone travelling without appropriate identification will be turned away. Anyone arriving at Confederation Bridge without a declaration document will shown to a separate line and will be allowed to complete the form at that time.
As for P.E.I. residents looking to travel off-Island, the procedures will be announced in the coming days. Each province will have their own requirements for travel and Morrison advised those heading to other provinces to bring a mask, just in case the rules there require one.
Islanders returning to P.E.I. will not need a declaration form, but they will be stopped and asked screening questions, said Morrison.
“I know there may be mixed emotions about the Atlantic bubble. Some people may be excited to reunite with family and friends while others may be feeling nervous about opening up P.E.I. I share in these mixed emotions. We cannot completely avoid risks, but we can assess these new risks cautiously and safely.”
- Dr. Heather Morrison
The chief public health officer began her briefing saying it’s been two months since there was a case of COVID-19 on P.E.I., calling it “truly remarkable”.
“Thank you P.E.I. Thank you for listening and caring, thank you for your patience and understanding,” said Morrison.
There is already talk of creating a Canadian travel bubble, but Morrison will be watching the number of new cases as well as what happens at the Canada-U.S. border before making any decisions here on P.E.I.
“La bulle est toujours un peu fragile,” said Morrison, the bubble is a little fragile.
Even though Canada has largely controlled the transmission of COVID-19, it hasn’t gone away, and Morrison reminded people to stay vigilant.
“We have learned that public health measures, such as our physical distancing, keeping our circle of contacts small, good hand washing, cough etiquette and staying home when you’re sick are effective in reducing the transmission of COVID,” said Morrison.
As travellers return and people gather in larger groups, Morrison expects P.E.I. will see new cases of coronavirus. She assured Islanders that her team is prepared.
“I know there may be mixed emotions about the Atlantic bubble. Some people may be excited to reunite with family and friends while others may be feeling nervous about opening up P.E.I. I share in these mixed emotions,” said Morrison.
“We cannot completely avoid risks, but we can assess these new risks cautiously and safely.”
Posted by Prince Edward Island Government on Tuesday, 30 June 2020
