COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, June 17

Maritime tour operators are confused about the COVID-19guidelinesto 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."

The 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 206cases 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 14new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. It has 97active cases.
• New Brunswick reported fournew cases Thursday.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported one new case. It has 32active 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.

TheseIslanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• People over 12.
• Islanders over 18can book an appointment for Moderna vaccine at a pharmacy.

You can find more information about how to get a vaccinehere.

Further resources

• Here isa chart of COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. since March 2020, and a timelineof pandemic events.
• Here is a look at how coronavirus isspreading 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.

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