COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, March 16

Islanders between the ages of 18 and 29 who work atconvenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores can now start to book appointments to get a COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, said inher regular weekly COVID-19 update Tuesday.

Another 4,100 Canada's Food Island gift cards were sold at a discount on Monday, the first day in 2021 that they've been offered at 20-per-cent off face value.

Despite having relied on international students to keep enrolments up in recent years, Maritime universities recorded a slight increase in the number of students during the pandemic, according to a study released Tuesday by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission.

P.E.I.'s jails, partially emptied a year ago in response to the pandemic, have returned to their previous population levels.

Four mass vaccination clinics will be starting up across Prince Edward Island as deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines ramp up in the coming weeks, said Morrison.

In a feature interview on Island Morning, Morrison looked back over the first year of the pandemic and ahead to what the next year might bring.

The province is launching a$70,000 ad campaign to encourage Islanders to get vaccinated.

Many Islanders are filing taxes early to get ahead of COVID-19 expenses, accountants say.

Seafood plant workers have been put near the top of the list for vaccines on P.E.I., and that should reduce worries during this spring's lobster fishery.

P.E.I. has had 144diagnosed cases of COVID-19, with no deaths or hospitalizations. There are four active cases.

Nova Scotia reportedtwo new cases of COVID-19on Tuesday, along with the discovery of four more variant cases. It has 17active cases.

New Brunswick reportedfive new cases, bringing its totalactive cases to 41.

Newfoundland and Labrador announcedone new case. It has 45 active cases.

Also in the news

• P.E.I. libraries are offering virtual programming to keep children busy during March break this week.
• Last week it was one year since the pandemic was declared. Islanders shared their pictures of pre-pandemic life, and talked about how their priorities have changed over the last 12 months.
• The provincelifted circuit-breaker measures Saturday morning, a couple of daysearlier than expected.
• Any Islander 75 or older can now book a COVID vaccine either through the toll free number or online. Health PEI officials said the booking has been going more quickly than anticipated so they're ahead of schedule.
• People aged 18-29 who work in food service could make appointments to be vaccinated at participating Island pharmaciesbeginning this pastThursday. Some pharmacies have now started giving the vaccine.

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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