COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, March 4

A man in his 60s has contracted Prince Edward Island's latest case of COVID-19. Heis a close contact of a previously announced case and had previously tested negative, but then developed symptoms and tested positive.

P.E.I.moved out of the red-level lockdown that was imposed in response to a COVID-19 outbreak that led to mass testing, and restaurants could reopendining areas.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Michael Gardam explained why P.E.I. is extending the time between COVID-19 vaccine doses, in an interview with CBC News: Compass Thursday. Watch it here.

Liberal MLA Heath MacDonald pressed the government for details in the legislature Thursday for its plan tosupport the Island's tourism industry duringthe upcoming season.

The pandemic meant a tough year for P.E.I.'s Easter Seals Society, whichraised only a third of what it usually does.

During a debate to recognize the contributions of young people during the pandemic, Social Development Minister Brad Trivers found himself under attack for comments about people in precarious employment.

Here are the current public health restrictions.

Here is what parents, students need to know as P.E.I. public schools open up again.

Dr. Heather Morrison says she is glad to have another weapon in her COVID-19 arsenal now that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine has been approved for use in people under 65.

P.E.I. has 23active cases, its most ever, out of 138diagnosed since the pandemic first hit the Island nearly a year ago.There have been no deaths or hospitalizations.

Also in the news

• A Green MLAwants to know if government will reinstate a moratorium on student loan repayments.

• The owner of a Charlottetown restaurant says he will pay a $5,000 finefor aPublic Health Actinfraction.

• TheMiscouche fire department is pleasedfirefighters are among thosenextin line for COVID-19 vaccinations on P.E.I.

• Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced a new schedule for vaccinations on the Island.

• Islanders who have lost their incomesor had their hours reduced by12 hours a week between Feb. 28 and March 14 because of new COVID-19 restrictions are eligible for $500 in help from the provincial government, a P.E.I. cabinet minister said Monday.

Further resources

• Here is a chart of COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. since March 2020, and a timeline of 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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