2 restaurants close as P.E.I. reports 3 new cases of COVID-19

The Wendy's and A&W restaurants on University Avenue in Charlottetown have closed temporarily after staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, announced three new cases of COVID-19in a previously unscheduled briefingon Saturday.

All three are women in their 20s who work at the restaurants and are close contacts of each other, Morrison said.

She said they are mildly symptomatic and self-isolating at home. Contact tracing is underway.

Morrison said she is concerned about the latest cluster and further restrictions may be necessary depending on how the situation unfolds in the next few days. None of the new cases have a history of travel outside P.E.I.

"The fact that these are new cases that are unrelated to travel is concerning," Morrison said. "It is too early to suggest there is widespread community transmission. However, I am becoming increasingly concerned."

The restaurants will be closed until all staff can be tested and the restaurants can be thoroughly cleaned.

Public exposure times and locations related to the new cases include:

• A&W, 650 University Ave.,Nov.30, Dec.2 andDec.4.
• Wendy's/Tim Hortons restaurants, 643 University Ave., Dec. 1, Dec.2 and Dec.4.
• T3 Transit bus route 1,Nov. 30between 4-5 p.m.;Dec. 1between 10:30-11:30 a.m.and 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Dec. 2between 2-3 p.m. and 10-11 p.m.; andDec. 4between 6-7 a.m., 1:30-2:30 p.m. and5-6 p.m.

Anyone who was at these locations during those times should get tested if they experience symptoms, Morrison said.

The Park Street testing clinic will be open Saturday until 8 p.m.

The Island currently has eight active cases, and there have been 76 positive cases since the onset of the pandemic, with no deaths and no hospitalizations.

Last week, the P.E.I. government increased itssuspension in the Atlantic bubble until at least Dec. 21.

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