CHEERS: To the two young people who tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. It would have been easy to dismiss mild symptoms of the virus and carry on with their lives. We wish them a speedy recovery. Cheers, as well, to the many Charlottetown Rural staff and others who lined up patiently for their own tests. Thank you to all who put the health and safety of all Islanders ahead of personal weekend plans, including Island EMS and Health P.E.I. staff who responded quickly to the challenge posed by exposure at one of P.E.I.'s largest schools.
CHEERS: To the Atlantic travel bubble. The policy that opened borders between the four Atlantic provinces beginning July 3 did its job of allowing travel and commerce to happen while keeping residents safe in the provinces that had low numbers of infection from COVID-19 over the course of the summer. Unfortunately, Newfoundland and Labrador and P.E.I. made the correct decision to withdraw from the bubble a week ago as cases began spiking in the other two Atlantic provinces. On Thursday, New Brunswick made the final pinprick in the bubble, reverting to a screening process and isolation for all visitors including those from next door in Nova Scotia. It is hoped that by Dec. 7, the bubble can reform.
CHEERS: To three different P.E.I. hockey organizations who are personifying teamwork. The Charlottetown Knights and Kensington Wild play in the New Brunswick/P.E.I. Major Under-18 Hockey League while the Mount Academy Saints’ under-18 and under-17 teams also play off-Island opponents. Those four teams have planned an Island Covid Cup series. Games are scheduled for MacLauchlan Arena in Charlottetown and Credit Union Centre in Kensington. While other leagues and teams have had to shut down, these organizations deserve credit for being creative and working together to give young hockey players the opportunity to play and work on their development.
CHEERS: To the numerous efforts taking place across P.E.I. to get reusable COVID-19 masks out to Islanders, especially low-income Islanders. Whether it’s Mask Central P.E.I., which was just launched by three young Island women, or Mask Up P.E.I. in Ellerslie, the P.E.I. Women’s Institute or other groups, this is a continuing sign that Islanders are pulling together to protect each other.
CHEERS: To the P.E.I. government for committing to cover the cost of period products in schools. (And thank you to a PEERS Alliance member for reminding us not to call items like tampons and pads "feminine hygiene" products as some people who menstruate do not identify as female.) P.E.I. schools have previously had free period products in their washrooms, but the cost had been covered through donations and generous teachers and staff. It's time that government makes sure these products are available for everyone who needs them, no questions asked.
