COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, March 2

P.E.I.'s chief public health officer announced four new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, as her office continues efforts to control two outbreaks that started in the last week of February.

Following the lead of British Columbia, P.E.I. isdelaying a second dose of COVID-19vaccine for those who have already gotten one shot, in order to give more people their first vaccine shot earlier.

Dr. Heather Morrison announced a new schedule for vaccinations on the Island.

A Green MLA wants to know if government is considering legislation for guaranteed paid sick leave as part of its COVID-19 response.

A hardware store in Summerside has reopened for business, after a deep cleaning over the weekend.

Bus ridership on P.E.I. dropped significantly after the 72-hour circuit breaker began at midnight Sunday, but T3 Transit says passengers can be assured the buses are being thoroughly cleaned and will be safe when they decide to hop back on.

Cleaning companies are booked up with businesses who want their buildings disinfected following a surge in COVID-19 cases on P.E.I.

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.

If you are eligible for a vaccine appointment on P.E.I. you can book it online.

Here is a list of sites of potential exposure to COVID-19. The Chief Public Health Office is asking people who have been in these places at these times to self-isolate and get tested as soon as possible. Some testing clinics have delayed openings due to the weather Tuesday.

A 22-year-old P.E.I. woman has gone public with her COVID-19 diagnosis to warn others that even if you follow all the rules, you can still catch the virus.

Officials at both the English and French school boards on P.E.I. say they are prepared to move to online learning if needed but are hopeful students can return to the classroom after the three-day shutdown.

P.E.I. has 22 active cases, its most ever, out of 136 diagnosed since the pandemic began nearly a year ago.There have been no deaths or hospitalizations.

Also in the news

• Island restaurants and retailowners are willing to tough it out once againas the province enters another shutdown,but warning signs are beginning to appear thatsome Island companies may not survive.
• A Charlottetown restaurateur, shut down again, is calling for harsher penalties for people who break self-isolation guidelines.
• If you are feeling the stress of the pandemic is getting out of control, here is where to find some help.
• A vaccination program for Indigenous adults on P.E.I. began Friday.
• Premier Dennis King promised theprovince will support businesses through economicchanges brought about by the pandemic.

Further resources

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