COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, Feb. 25

Thursday evening public health officials announced a cluster of three new cases of COVID-19, and asked all residents of Summerside to be on the lookout for symptoms.

Also Thursday, Dr. Heather Morrison said enforcement is now involved with two new cases announced Wednesday and a link to one public exposure site, the Toys R Us in Charlottetown.

Some changes the pandemic has made to the economy are permanent, says Premier Dennis King, and the province will support businesses through those changes.

The University of Prince Edward Island announced it is planning a return to a "more normal" academic experience in the fall of 2021, and Thursday COVID-weary students expressed relief.

A report from the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council showspotential vulnerabilities for P.E.I.'s economic recovery.

It will likely be another six to eight weeks before the Atlantic bubble reopens, Dr. Heather Morrison said in her regular weekly COVID-19 briefing Tuesday.

Prince Edward Island now has six active cases of COVID-19, and has diagnoseda total of 120 casessince thepandemic hit P.E.I. almost a year ago.There have been no deaths or hospitalizations.

On Thursday, Newfoundland and Labradorreported 10new cases of COVID-19. The province now has 335 active cases.

Nova Scotia reported eight new cases,with the total of active cases at 27.

New Brunswick reported onenew casewith 49 active cases.

Also in the news

• P.E.I. is embarking on a four-week pilot project where it will use both rapid and regular tests forCOVID-19 on people landing at Charlottetown Airport.
• The Island is getting a new warehouse that will in part ensure the province is better prepared for the next pandemic.
• A community COVID-19 vaccination clinicopened in Charlottetown Monday, vaccinating Prince Edward Islanders age80 or older who live in their own homes and had made appointments in the last few weeks. Three other clinics will open in Montague, Summerside and O'Leary in the days to come.

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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