COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, Nov. 19

A Charlottetown bingo hall has had to stop operating after public health officials rescinded its COVID-19 operational plan. After they carried out renovations placing barriers between patrons, it turns out they need more distance among them. 

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Saint John Sea Dogs were supposed to play the Charlottetown Islanders on Friday, but have had to suspend in-person activities after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

P.E.I. Sen. Diane Griffin questioned the government representative in the Senate Tuesday, suggesting the federal government should force international travellers like snowbirds returning to Canada to self-isolate for two weeks in the city where they land, as Australia does. 

Moncton, N.B., is facing more public health restrictions as it has been bumped back up to an orange phase of COVID-19 recovery. The situation in the Moncton region has "been steadily worsening," said Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health.

That will likely only add fuel to the fire of debate over whether or not Islanders should heed P.E.I. Premier Dennis King, who is urging Islanders not to make the region part of their holiday shopping plans. 

King said there are no changes to the Atlantic bubble, but changes may be necessary if COVID-19 cases continue to rise in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

As of 12:01 a.m. on Friday and continuing until Feb. 15, non-medical masks will be required in all indoor public places, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said at the Island's weekly public health briefing on Tuesday.

There is now one active COVID-19 case in the province. P.E.I. has seen a total of 68 cases, with no deaths and no hospitalizations.

Also in the news

• Most people CBC P.E.I. spoke with on the streets of Charlottetown Tuesday supported new mandatory mask rules.
• The Stratford food drive last weekend fell short of its record year in 2019, but the executive director of the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry food bank said he is still pleased with the results given the challenges of COVID-19.
• Hockey P.E.I. says there have been several complaints about spectators not wearing masks, which violates its pandemic protocols.
• A 20-year-old man was charged with violating public health orders following a gathering of about 60 people in Summerside on the weekend. 

Further resources

• Here is information for living with the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. — including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures and essential health services.
• Here is a look at how coronavirus is spreading across Canada.

More from CBC P.E.I.