P.E.I. Health officials advise Islanders to avoid non-essential travel

One new case of COVID-19 was announced on P.E.I., Saturday.

"The individual is in their 20s. Contact tracing is underway, and they are self-isolating. The case is still under investigation," Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison said in anews release.

Islanders are being advised to avoid travel outsidethe province unless it is necessary.

"Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Atlantic Canada and across the country, Island residents should carefully consider travel outside of P.E.I. at this time," Morrisonsaid."Now is not the time for non-essential travel.

"To protect ourselves and our community it is extremely important to get vaccinated against COVID-19, to be tested if you are experiencing even mild symptoms, and to keep your circle of contacts small."

There will also be increased testing at entry points for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers from other Atlantic provinces, the news release said.

Testing for N.B. travellers

Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in New Brunswick, travellers who have spent more than 48 hours in the province will be tested three times within eight daysupon entry to P.E.I.

"Anyone who has been in N.B. for more than 48 hours will be asked to be tested at entry points and again on day four and day eight," the news release said.

"Anyone who has traveled to N.B. for less than 48 hours will be asked to be tested upon return on day four and day eight."

The Charlottetown drop-in testingclinic at 64 Park St. is extending itshours until 4 p.m. Saturday.

Prince Edward Island has 40active cases of COVID-19 and has had294positive cases since the pandemic began.

As of Sept. 22, 251,706doses of vaccine had been administered in the province. More than 93 per cent of the eligible population has received at least one dose of vaccine and close to 86 per cent has received two doses.

New exposure notices

Several new public exposure notices were also announced Saturday for Charlottetown:

• Saturday, Sept.18
  • Home Depot (60 Buchanan Drive) from 8a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Superstore (465 University Avenue) from 3p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 20
  • Staples (655 University Avenue) from noon to 3 p.m.
  • Dollarama (449 University Avenue) from noon to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept.21
  • Home Depot (60 Buchanan Drive) from 3p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept.23
  • Superstore (465 University Avenue) from 10 a.m. to noon.
  • Home Depot (60 Buchanan Drive) from 3 p.m. to 7p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to follow routine prevention measures:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
• Get vaccinated.
• Wear a non-medical mask in indoor places.
• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Keep your circle of contacts small.
• Physical distance -stay two metresapart.
• Don't share items like drinking glasses and water bottles.
• Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops.
• Visit a drop-in-clinicto be testedif you have COVID-19 symptoms.