COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, June 9

Prince Edward Island has reopened mental health and addictions clinics for walk-in service.

Marion Dowling, Health P.E.I.'s chief of nursing, made the announcement at a provincial briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic Tuesday morning.

Dowling also noted more elective procedures are being performed in P.E.I. medical facilities. Last week424 surgeries were performed, as compared to 500 in all of May.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison said during the briefing she anticipates Phase 4 of the ease back of pandemic restrictions could begin in late June or early July.

That phase could include larger gatherings, as many as 50, but physical distancing would still be required.

Morrison also discussed plans for widespread coronavirus antibody testing.

These tests are meant to determine if someone has been exposed to the coronavirus. Morrison said the testing would have several purposes, including contributing to research on immune response, and finding out how prevalent the virus has been on the Island.

"I think that number would be small, but I think it's important to find out," she said.

Other recent pandemic news

The Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association has joinedAtlantic University Sportin cancellingits fallsports season.

A West Prince woman is upset restrictions are keeping dozens of family members from her aunt's funeral.

The reopening of public washrooms is welcomed by people who have a special need for them.

The parents of some high school graduates are saying live streaming of graduation ceremonies is not enough.

Relaxed visitor restrictions at long-term care facilities are being called a great relief for residents and their families.

There won't be any fireworks, but Canada Day celebrations on P.E.I. will continue in a different form, according to officials in Charlottetown and Stratford.

COVID-19 cancellations on P.E.I. have extended beyond summer as the annual spirits festival is scrapped for November.

A P.E.I. woman is worried she might be on the hook for $6,000 after she noticed three CERB payments were processed through her Canada Revenue Agency account but she had not applied for the program and never received the money.

P.E.I. has had 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19. All have recovered. Close to 8,000 COVID-19 tests from P.E.I. have been done.

Also in the news

• Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Suppers in North Rustico, P.E.I., has made the "very hard" decision to remain closed for the season.
• Malpeque MP Wayne Easter, chair of the Commons finance committee, says Ottawa is working on new ways to support Canadians as the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) runs out for some.
• Charlottetown expects to hear in the next few days whether it will play host to Canadian Premier League soccer teams this summer.
• People wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has led to challenges for people who have hearing loss.
• Some of P.E.I.'s smaller festivals are working within pandemic guidelines to carry on.

Further resources

• Here isinformation for livingwith the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, andessential health services.
• Here is acharttracking COVID-19 numbers and a timeline of COVID-19-related events on P.E.I.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.