New COVID-19 case reported
More than 8,400 cases in 24 hours across country; one new case in P.E.I. on Thursday
There is one new case of COVID-19 in P.E.I. as a third wave continues across Canada.
Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public health officer, provided the update Tuesday afternoon during her second briefing of the week.
Morrison said the latest case involves travel outside of Atlantic Canada and is selfisolating.
She also issued a public notification that anyone on Air Canada flight 8301 from Montreal to Charlottetown on April 17 should monitor themselves for symptoms.
The latest case brings the number of active cases to 12.
There have been 175 confirmed cases in P.E.I. since the pandemic began.
In Canada, there have been more than 1.14 million confirmed cases with Morrison saying there were more than 8,400 new cases in the last 24 hours.
The Atlantic region has seen 274 new cases in the last 14 days with 261 cases still active. Morrison said there were 205 active cases when the bubble closed in November.
Morrison said pandemic fatigue is widespread, but it’s not the time for people to let their guard down. Now is the time to stick to the game plan that has worked well.
“The harsh reality is that in Canada we have never been more vulnerable to COVID19 than we are right now,” she said.
Morrison also provided an update on vaccine shipments, saying the Pfizer allocation in May and June will be double what was expected.
An additional 47,430 doses will arrive in those months.
That means some people will be able to get their first does earlier and some will get their second dose sooner, she said.
The additional doses mean Morrison hopes to offer a
second dose within 12 weeks, rather the current 16-week interval.
“It’s important that people receive their second dose. While one dose provides good immunity, the second dose is needed to boost and maintain protection against COVID-19,” said Morrison. “Each person who is immunized benefits all of us.”
Marion Dowling, P.E.I.’s chief of nursing, also spoke at the briefing and said the Island’s clinics vaccinate around 1,000 people a day, but the number depends on the supply of vaccines.
Morrison said that in May, with the extra Pfizer doses, P.E.I. will be vaccinating up to 10,000 people each week.
Morrison’s office tracks the number of vaccination
appointments as well as doses administered at the 12 partner pharmacies.
The numbers are released twice a week.
Beginning this week, residents aged 50-54 can book appointments to get a vaccine at a clinic.
Beginning April 22, front line workers aged 16-39 who work with the public and cannot work virtually can book a vaccination appointment.
Beginning the week of April 26, residents aged 40-49 can book vaccination appointments according to their birthday.
On Monday, April 26, individuals born in the months of January – March can book appointments. Tuesday, April 27, individuals born in the months of April – June;
Wednesday, April 28, individuals born in the months of July – September; and
Thursday, April 29, individuals born in the months of October – December.
Anyone over the age of 55 can book an appointment to receive an Astrazeneca vaccine at one of the 12 partner pharmacies.
P.E.I. residents can book appointments online or by calling 1-844-975-3303.
It is not necessary to book an appointment for a second dose, the province will contact everyone when it’s time.