COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, July 29

Two newcases of COVID-19 have been confirmedon P.E.I., but they won't count toward the Island'stotal, a news release from the Chief Public Health Office said Thursday.

Prince Edward Island is on track to have 80 per cent of its vaccine eligible population fully vaccinated before August ends, says Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.

The P.E.I. government overall obtained appropriate authorizations for its COVID-19 financial support programs, according to a report released Thursday morning byP.E.I.'s auditor general, but a few weaknesses were found.

P.E.I. health officials are allowingdrop-in, last-minute appointments for COVID-19 vaccines, after 2 p.m. at vaccination clinics

The Gold Cup parade and Old Home Week will return this August, although in a scaled-down format that follows COVID-19 guidelines.

There was a massive drop in youth crime on P.E.I. last year, and it maybe partly because of the pandemic.

Anne was absent from Green Gables last year due to pandemic restrictions, but she is back this year with a brand new tour.

The Upper Room soup kitchen in Charlottetown began offering takeout during the pandemic, and it was so popular it is continuing the program.

After a cycling couple was almost stuck at the foot of Confederation Bridge because they didn't know the shuttle service had been cancelled during the pandemic, Strait Crossing Bridge apologized and offered a free bridge pass.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada:

• New Brunswick reported fournew COVID-19 cases on Thursday and has 12active cases.
• Nova Scotia has one new COVID-19 case, with 10active in the province.
• Newfoundland and Labradoris now updating its COVID-19 stats on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only. At last report there were two active cases.

Also in the news

• English language schools on P.E.I., which rely heavily on foreign students, are hoping travel opens up soon.
• Two cases of COVID-19, caught by testing at the border in visitors to P.E.I.,were announced Monday. Both travellers were unvaccinated and are self-isolating.
• Some bakeries on P.E.I. are too busy to take new cake orders as Islanderscatch up on celebrations missed during the pandemic.
• Here are some signs that the pandemic is coming to an end on P.E.I., and some things from the pandemic that will linger.

TheseIslanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• People over 12.
• Islanders over 18can book an appointment to receive theModerna 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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