COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of Sept. 20

Six new COVID-19 cases were reported on Friday, none of which were related to the outbreak at West Royalty Elementary, according to P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office.

P.E.I.'s children and youth advocate says the province's back-to-school plan relegated children to second-class status.

Marvin Bernstein's office was one of a number of groups that were given little time to provide feedback on the report, including the P.E.I. Teachers' Union.

Those working in tourism say this fall is going better than expected on Prince Edward Island despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still challenges.

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King says he wants to consult with the Chief Public Health Office and Elections P.E.I. about holding another vote during the pandemic before calling a byelection for Cornwall-Meadowbank.

King said at a briefing Tuesday the West Royalty outbreak "appears to be contained." The province also announced three new COVID-19 cases on the Island, two related to the outbreak.

During the briefing, King announced that a "vaccinate-or-test" policy for government workers at vulnerable facilities will come into effect Friday. The policy would target staff in classrooms, correctional facilities, early learning facilities and group homes.

King also said his government is working to create a "P.E.I. Vax Pass" which would be needed for many places, including restaurants, where large gatherings occur. The province is looking to implement it by Oct. 5.

Potential COVID-19 exposure sites

Monday, P.E.I. issued a public exposure notification for a ceilidh which took place last Tuesday. Under current restrictions, a cohort of up to a maximum of 100 people would have been permitted to attend.

West Royalty and École La-Belle-Cloche students returned to class Monday.

Six new cases were reported over weekend, four of which are linked to the outbreak. The other two cases announced were related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. Several potential exposure sites related to recent cases were also announced Saturday.

Health P.E.I. also said that over the weekend that all West Royalty students who attended the pop-up testing clinic set up at their school Friday tested negative for COVID-19. Almost 90 per cent of students not under self-isolation were tested.

COVID-19 cases on P.E.I.

As of Sept. 18, 93.2 per cent of the eligible population on P.E.I. have received at least one vaccine dose and 85.7 per cent have received two doses

There are currently 39 active cases of COVID-19. The province has had 293 positive cases since the pandemic began.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• People over 12.

• Islanders over 18 can book an appointment to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy.

Further resources

Reminder about symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever.

• Cough or worsening of a previous cough.

• Possible loss of taste and/or smell.

• Sore throat.

• New or worsening fatigue.

• Headache.

• Shortness of breath.

• Runny nose.