CANADA, December 9 - Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has announced three new cases of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. 

One of the individuals is in their 60s, one is in their 30s and one is in their 20s. Two of the cases are related to travel outside of the province and one is a close contact of a previously announced case. 

There are currently 29 active cases of COVID-19 in PEI and there have been 406 cases since the pandemic began. 

“We continue to be challenged to get the current wave of COVID-19 under control, with a spike in cases since mid-November and active cases across the Island. This is not the situation we want to be in at any time, but especially not as we enter the holiday season. COVID-19 is circulating in our province and there appears to be community transmission with not all of our cases linked to travel. Our high rate of vaccination is protecting us from experiencing serious illnesses and hospitalizations.” 

- Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison

On Wednesday, December 8, Health PEI testing clinics across the province tested approximately 1,600 people, including many children. 

The pop-up clinic in Eastern Kings tested close to 400 people and all results that are currently available are negative. The testing clinic at Souris Hospital is closed today due to weather and will reopen tomorrow from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

As of Wednesday, December 8, 94.9 per cent of Island residents age 12 years and over have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 91.6 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses. 21.2 per cent of children age 5-11 years have received their first dose. 

As always, all Islanders are urged to get tested if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even after a previous negative test, and to self-isolate until the results come back. Islanders are also encouraged to download the free national COVID Alert app, which will let them know if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Anyone age 12 and over can receive their COVID-19 vaccination at one of the Health PEI clinics and those age 18 years or older can visit one of the 28 partner pharmacies across the province. Island children between the ages of five and 11 years can now receive their COVID-19 vaccination at Health PEI clinics.

For information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, including vaccine facts, immunization data and booking an appointment, visit: COVID-19 Vaccines. For answers to commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, visit: Answers to Common COVID-19 Vaccine Questions.

Backgrounder:

The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, government departments and Health PEI to monitor the pandemic situation and prepare for all COVID-19 related impacts to the province, including health, social and economic. The public health risk of COVID-19 is continually reassessed, and Islanders will be updated as new information becomes available.

Everyone is encouraged to follow routine prevention measures:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Get vaccinated
• Wear a non-medical mask in indoor places
• Stay home if you are not feeling well
• Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Keep your circle of contacts small
• Physical distance - stay two meters (6 feet) apart
• Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles
• Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops
• Visit a drop-in-clinic to be tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms

Media Contact: Samantha Hughes Health and Wellness shughes@gov.pe.ca