Moving Forward Plan Continues to Accelerate for PEI

 July 8, 2021

Premier Dennis King and Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, have announced additional changes to the Moving Forward reopening plan for PEI.

Effective immediately, individuals are no longer required to wear a mask while seated at indoor events (church services, seated concerts, etc), provided there is six feet between individuals of different households. Masks are still required at these events as people move to and from their seats. 

Also, dancing within cohorts at weddings is now permitted. Dancing in other venues such as bars, nightclubs, concerts and festivals is not permitted at this time. 

Effective July 18, PEI will welcome visitors from outside Atlantic Canada, three weeks earlier than originally planned. Based on the supply of mRNA vaccine in the province, it is expected that 50% of eligible Island residents over 12 years of age will be fully vaccinated by July 18, the vaccine target in Step 4 of the Moving Forward Plan. Those travelling to PEI from outside Atlantic Canada who are fully vaccinated with two doses and have a PEI Pass will not be required to isolate. PEI residents with a PEI Pass who have two doses can travel within Canada and not self-isolate when they come home. Those travelling to PEI or returning from travel outside Atlantic Canada who are not immunized will be required to isolate for eight days, with a negative test on day eight. People with two doses of vaccine, planning to travel to PEI from outside of Atlantic Canada after July 18, will be able to apply for a PEI Pass beginning on July 6. 

Youth age 12 to 17 coming to PEI with family are eligible for a PEI pass as soon as they receive their first vaccine dose (until July 31). After July 31, they will be eligible for a PEI Pass provided they at least have one dose plus 21 days. 

As of Saturday, June 26, a total of 142, 817 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered in PEI. 81.4 per cent of the eligible population have received at least one dose, and 20.2 per cent have received two doses. In accordance with  national recommendations, it is safe and acceptable to mix mRNA vaccines, meaning those who received Pfizer for their first dose can receive Moderna for their second dose and vice versa. 

There is one new case of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. The individual is in their 50s, who recently travelled from outside of Atlantic Canada. The individual is asymptomatic and is self-isolating. 

As always, 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.

Prince Edward Island currently has one active case of COVID-19 and has had 207 positive cases since the onset of the pandemic. Information about the province’s COVID-19 cases is available online.

Islanders are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and every Island resident 12 and older who wants to be immunized will have an opportunity to receive the vaccine in 2021. Information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out and appointment booking information is available online.

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
• 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
• 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 symptom

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