COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, June 17
P.E.I. implementing a pass system, requiring proof of vaccination and residency
Maritime tour operators are confused about the COVID-19 guidelines to follow as travelling begins.
The Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. has launched a contest to encourage islanders to get vaccinated.
P.E.I. has moved some dates for reopening the border without requiring self-isolation, for those with pre-approved travel starting June 23, and for Canadians from outside Atlantic Canada July 28.
Visitors will need to apply for a P.E.I. Pass, showing proof of vaccination and of residency. Applications opened Thursday — and things got busy.
"As expected, there has been a lot of excitement around the PEI Pass. Many people are actively applying and there have been intermittent crashes," said a provincial government spokesperson.
"We understand everyone is very keen to get their application in and ask for everyone's patience."
As of 5 pm today, 21,000 people (unique views) went to our PEI Pass page, in total 52,000 times! <br>- Planning to come to PEI this summer, or island residents travelling off-island? <a href="https://t.co/rpwbjhmbWM">https://t.co/rpwbjhmbWM</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Gov_NB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gov_NB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GovNL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovNL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nsgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsgov</a> <a href="https://t.co/0o25HcsxbE">pic.twitter.com/0o25HcsxbE</a>
—@InfoPEIThe spokesperson said as of 3:45 p.m. Thursday 693 applications have been received and the public safety department is already starting to approve them.
There have been 206 cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I., and none are active. There have been no deaths and two hospitalizations. Prince Edward Island has reported no new cases since June 3.
Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada:
- Nova Scotia reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. It has 97 active cases.
- New Brunswick reported four new cases Thursday.
- Newfoundland and Labrador reported one new case. It has 32 active cases.
Also in the news
- The P.E.I. tourism industry is thrilled that the Island will be opening sooner to visitors.
- Northumberland Ferries, which connects Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, is now taking bookings for non-commercial traffic in anticipation of the Island opening up to the rest of Atlantic Canada.
- A Dartmouth woman is disappointed her Charlottetown mother was refused a compassionate grounds exception for travel to help her following the birth of her first child.
These Islanders are currently eligible for a vaccine
- People over 12.
- Islanders over 18 can book an appointment for Moderna vaccine at a pharmacy.
You can find more information about how to get a vaccine here.
Further resources
- Here is a chart of COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. since March 2020, and a timeline of pandemic events.
- Here is a look at how coronavirus is spreading across Canada.
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.