P.E.I. reports seven new COVID-19 cases Tuesday; pediatric vaccine clinics to begin this week
Prince Edward Island reported seven new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the total number of active infections to 28.
Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, says six of the cases are related to a cluster in Prince County and the other case remains under investigation.
Morrison added none of the new cases involve people under the age of 19.
As of Nov. 20, 94.3 per cent of eligible Island residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 90.5 per cent are fully vaccinated.
"Reaching 90 per cent fully vaccinated is a significant milestone," said Morrison.
P.E.I. has reported 356 positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.
"Last week, we had 17 new cases of COVID-19, our second highest weekly count since the pandemic began," said Morrison during a live news conference on Tuesday. "And so far this week, we've had 12 cases."
The province's top doctor says the cluster in Prince County that began on Nov. 17 now involves 22 positive cases that are all linked.
"Two workplace outbreaks, two sports teams are involved, and one case at Three Oaks Senior High School," said Morrison. "Approximately 350 close contacts are being followed."
“This situation continues to evolve, and I expect there will be more positive cases in the coming days, among close contacts who are currently isolating. It is concerning that transmission appears to happen very quickly and with minimal contact,” said Morrison.
Morrison also provided an update on the vaccination status of positive cases on the Island.
"Since January, 24 per cent of our cases have been fully vaccinated and 76 per cent of our cases were not fully vaccinated," said Morrison.
COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN
Morrison says the province is expecting to receive its first shipment of pediatric COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday.
“It is an exciting day in PEI as we will be receiving Pfizer pediatric doses in the province and begin offering vaccine to Island children under the age of 12 for COVID-19 by the end of the week,” said Morrison.
“Having children vaccinated is a significant development in our fight against COVID-19 and will allow young people to safely resume their favorite activities and events, including spending time with friends and families. I urge all parents and guardians to have their children immunized, which we know is the best way to ensure children are protected against COVID-19.”
Community based clinics will be offered in five communities across P.E.I. including O'Leary, Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris.
The first of five community-based pediatric clinics will open Friday in Summerside and school-based clinics will open in January for students in grades 4 to 6.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.