P.E.I. announces an increase in hospitalizations, with six in hospital as of Tuesday

Prince Edward Island's top doctor says, as of Tuesday, there are six people in hospital due to COVID-19, with one person in intensive care.

"There are six hospitalizations, which is manageable at this point for our colleagues in acute care," said Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public health officer, during a live news conference on Tuesday. "The continued rise in our new cases and active cases could have significant impact on the need for acute care."

Morrison says P.E.I. has not yet reached the peak of its COVID-19 cases and expects them to rise in the coming weeks.

"We've said right along that all of the things we are doing is trying to minimize how high that peak is and how fast it goes up," said Morrison. "And it's really incumbent on all Islanders to do everything we can to contain the transition."

NEW CASES

Morrison also announced 304 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, making it the second day in a row that the province is reporting over 300 new cases.

There were also 127 new recoveries, bringing the total number of active infections on Prince Edward Island to 1,694.

Morrison says all of the new cases are still under investigation.

Over the last week, there has been an average of 190 cases per day on P.E.I.

Morrison adds as of Tuesday, there are approximately 8,500 Islanders isolating due to COVID-19, either because they tested positive for the virus or were a close contact.

To date, P.E.I. has reported 3,197 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

 

SEVERAL OUTBREAKS ANNOUNCED

Morrison provided an update on the outbreak at the Miscouche Villa community care facility in Miscouche, P.E.I.

As of Tuesday, eight of the 27 residents have tested positive for COVID-19, along with six staff members.

"All residents are doing well and are receiving care in the facility," said Morrison.

A number of new outbreaks were also announced on Tuesday.

An outbreak has been declared at the Garden Home long-term care facility in Charlottetown where two residents have tested positive for the virus.

Morrison says further testing is taking place at the facility.

Visitations have also been restricted to one “partner-in-care” for each resident.

As of Tuesday, nine early-learning childcare centres across the island have been impacted by positive COVID-19 cases, seven of which are closed.

"We are working with this sector to support staff who are close contacts and the test-to-stay policy," said Morrison. "Updated outbreak guidance is being shared with the effected centres this afternoon."

Five positive cases have also been identified within a population that regularly acts as shelters and outreach services in Charlottetown.

An outbreak has also been declared at the Provincial Correctional Facility in Miltonvale Park, where three staff and one inmate has tested positive for COVID-19.

"We are working with staff and Justice and Public Safety regarding testing and other measures to contain further spread within the facility," Morrison said.

Morrison says an update on the outbreaks will be provided later this week.

COVID-19 TESTING

In order to preserve the limited capacity of Health PEI testing clinics, health officials say testing will continue to be limited to the following individuals until further notice:

• symptomatic individuals
• close contacts of positive cases
• confirmatory tests for individuals who test preliminary positive at a point-of-entry
• confirmatory tests for individuals who test preliminary positive with a rapid antigen test

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate until they are able to be tested and continue to isolate after being tested until a negative result is received.

Individuals who do not have symptoms do not require testing (unless in one of the above categories). Those who are presenting for testing related to travel (for example: day 4 tests) will be provided with at home rapid antigen tests, two tests to be taken 48 hours apart.

This is a developing story and will be updated.