COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Friday, Nov. 27

If all goes well, Prince Edward Islanders could start being vaccinated against the coronavirus early in 2021, Premier Dennis King saidfollowing a conference call with his fellow premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Thursday evening.

Face coverings will be mandatory for everyoneat the Mark Arendz Ski Park in Brookvale, P.E.I., this winter, officials say, even when on the ski hill. On the hill, those coverings can be a knit balaclava.

Nearly two-thirds ofstudents who replied to a voluntary survey at UPEI reported strugglingmore with mental health issues during the pandemic and 11 per centsaidthey have had thoughts related to suicide.

Bluefield High School student Sophie Flower has organized a food drive for the South Shore Food Share to help out people in her own community of Crapaud, P.E.I.,her second during the pandemic.

Contact tracing isunderway at threepotential COVID-19 exposure sites in Charlottetown the Atlantic Superstore, Gahan House pub and Terra Rossa restaurant and so far, all tests have come back negative.

New Brunswick's premier announced Thursday that as of midnight, everyone returning to that province including people from P.E.I.must self-isolate for 14 days to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Starting this coming Monday,masks will be mandatory for staff and students in Grades 10-12 at all times inside a school building, including while sitting at their desks. Exemptions will be made for when students are eating or drinking,and certain other situations.

There are two activeCOVID-19 casesin the province. P.E.I. has seen a total of 70cases, with no deaths and no hospitalizations.

Also in the news

• A social media group is compiling a growing list of Island businesses to help people shop local during the pandemic.
• UPEI and Holland College are recommending students not leave the Island during the Christmas holidays, but are making plans in case they do.
• P.E.I.'s Department of Justice and Public Safety says it is dealing with a spike in people seeking approval to come to the Island.
• This year's Victorian Christmas Market in downtown Charlottetown iscancelled due to COVID-19.

Further resources

• Here isinformation for livingwith the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measuresand essential health services.
• Here is a look at how coronavirus isspreading across Canada.

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