PEI has introduced new restrictions as a result of a new outbreak of COVID-19 cases, that the source is not known.
Seven new cases were reported over the weekend.
PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison says, “While we do not know the source of the current outbreak, we are unable to predict how large and how far reaching it may become. We need time to get the situation under control.”
Effective Monday, December 7, the following restrictions have been implemented:
Islanders should stay at home as much as possible, only going out for essential purposes.
Households should designate one person to do essential errands such as grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, and banking.
No personal gatherings. A household can only associate with two persons outside of their household. Persons living alone may choose to interact with one designated household.
Organized gatherings, including faith gatherings, are limited to 10 people maximum indoors or outdoors (excluding staff).
Funerals and weddings are limited to 10 people maximum (excluding officiants).
No in-room dining at restaurants. Take-out and delivery can continue with enhanced precautions.
No organized recreational or team sports.
Gyms, fitness facilities, museums, libraries, bingo halls and casinos will be closed.
Personal services will remain open for appointments only and non-medical masks must be worn at all times by staff and patrons.
Retail stores and markets must operate at a maximum 50 per cent patron capacity.
Daycares will continue to operate as they currently do.
High schools in the Charlottetown area are moving to remote learning. This includes Colonel Gray, Charlottetown Rural and Bluefield High Schools, as well as students in grades 10 through 12 at cole Franois-Buote.
In-person mental health and addiction services and programs, including residential day programs, will continue.
Long-term care and community care facilities will limit partners in care to one designated person. There will be no other visitors during this time.
Premier Dennis King says they would like to see more people get tested, “We are encouraging all of those between the ages of 20 and 29 in the Capital region to get tested regardless if you have symptoms. This is the group not only here in PEI, but across the country that seems to be most affected.”
The new restrictions remain in effect until December 21st, when the situation will be reassessed.
PEI currently has 11 active cases of COVID-19.
Premier Dennis King says the majority of Islanders have been following the rules, “But, there does however remain a stubborn minority of people who, we just need you to follow the regulating rules for the next couple for weeks, to allow up to break the cycle and allow up to get back to our new normal. We have cases that we can’t identify the source and that is worrisome. These changes, we hope are short term.”
