COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Friday, Sept. 11

This fall's return to school is unlike any other. CBC News: Compass host Kerry Campbell spoke with Norbert Carpenter of the P.E.I. Public Schools Branch about how it's going.

You can also hear, in their own words, what some students have to say about going back to class.

After a six month hiatus classes were back and CBC spoke with two Island principals about how the week went.

Across P.E.I., university students are settling into online learning in their kitchens, dining rooms or bedrooms as the fall semester gets underway.

P.E.I. is a little ahead of most of Canada in its economic recovery following the most severe pandemic lockdowns, but some of the most difficult hurdles may be yet to come.

The open-air markets have been working pretty well, say the administrators of the farmers' markets in Charlottetown and Summerside, but with the fall coming it's time to get inside.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison takesquestions from the CBC's Kerry Campbell.

COVID-19 hasdelayed many wishes for Children's Wish/Make a Wish P.E.I. chapter and the number of people waiting for a wish to be grantedgrows every day as this crisis continues.

Montague's Artisans on Main is moving to a new location across the river after the pandemic put financial stress on the non-profit gallery.

The P.E.I. Fishermen's Association is trying to get federal support programs for fishermen changed because new fishermen don't qualify for the Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant program, the Canada Emergency Business Account or the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

COVID-19 rules mean it will cost more money to administer flu shots this year, and P.E.I. pharmacists want the province to cover those costs.

Shortages have been a part of the pandemic, and the latest item in short supply is mason jars in pickling season.

P.E.I. has confirmed a total of 55cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, with no deaths or hospitalizations. Of those, eight areactive and47 are considered recovered.

Also in the news

• Two new cases of COVID-19 were announced Wednesday afternoon. One is an essential worker in her 30s, and the other is a man in his 20s, and both are related to international travel, a government releasesaid.
• Last summer there were 83,750 jobs in the provincial economy. That's down 4.1 per cent this year. Here's a look at how the top sectors have done.
• Whether general election or byelection, voting will look different under COVID-19, Elections P.E.I. says.

Further resources

• Here isinformation for livingwith the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, and essential health services.
• Here is achart tracking COVID-19 numbers and a timeline of COVID-19-related events on P.E.I.
• Here isa guide onwhat parents and students need to knowbefore heading back to class as soon asSept. 8.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.