Today in history

1866: Jesse James holds up his first bank, stealing $15,000 from the Clay County Savings Association in Liberty, Missouri.

1917: Dutch exotic dancer Mata Hari is arrested in Paris on suspicion that she is a German spy.

1961:Frank Sinatra launches the Reprise label under Warner Bros. Records.

P.E.I.’s chief public health officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, issued a news release Friday in advance of the long weekend to remind Islanders to follow public health guidance.

“The evolving situation in Newfoundland is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change with COVID-19. Despite hopeful signs across the country, there continue to be outbreaks,” said Morrison in the release.

Newfoundland and Labrador announced 50 new confirmed cases of COVID19 Friday on top of 100 cases confirmed Thursday, bringing the province's total active cases to 260.

Prince Edward Island has two active cases of COVID19 and has had a total of 114 positive cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic.

“Until we achieve herd immunity in P.E.I.,” said Morrison, “we must continue to take a cautious and measured approach to our normal activities, following public health measures closely and getting tested when we recognize any sign of symptoms.”

All Islanders are asked or encouraged to get tested if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even if the symptoms are mild, and self-isolate until their results come back.

Given the concern of increased transmission with new variants, sharing rooms (including kitchens) is no longer permitted when people are self-isolating. If it is necessary to share a washroom, extra cleaning and sanitization of the space is required.

For the latest information about Prince Edward Island’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit: www.princeedwardisland.ca/ COVID19.