Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed one new positive case of COVID-19 in the province.
The individual is a woman in her 20s, who is a rotational worker. She recently travelled outside the Atlantic bubble for work purposes. She is self-isolating at home with mild symptoms. Contact tracing is complete and close contacts have been tested and are self-isolating.
On the first required COVID-19 test (between day 0-2) her result was negative; however, the second test (between day 4-7) was positive. This is a reminder of why testing does not replace self-isolation and why worker testing regimes are important.
The individual traveled from Edmonton to Charlottetown with Air Canada on October 13, 2020. She departed Edmonton on Air Canada Flight 162 bound for Toronto and then flew to Charlottetown the same day on Air Canada Flight 7460.
The Chief Public Health Office has been in communication with the airline and, out of an abundance of caution, all passengers who travelled on these flights should monitor for symptoms. If any passengers develop symptoms of COVID-19 they should visit a Drop-in Testing Clinic to be tested.
At this point, there is no evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island and the risk of transmission in the province remains low. Prince Edward Island has had a total of 64 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic.
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:
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Stay home if you are not feeling well
• Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Keep your circle of contacts small
• Wear a mask in closed, indoor public spaces
• Maintain a distance of two meters from others as much as possible
• Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles
• Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops
Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
shughes@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)