COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, Dec. 29

P.E.I.announced two new cases of COVID-19 in the province Tuesday, both related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada.

These are the first new cases announced on P.E.I. since Christmas Eve, and there are no related public exposure sites.

P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office says the province expects to get its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, 1,200 doses,this week.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic during a year-end interview with CBC News: Compass, Premier Dennis King said it will take time to balance the budget because many Islanders "need us to be there to get through COVID."

A P.E.I. business selling geckos really took off during the pandemic, boosting sales by 600 per cent since the March lockdown.

Community halls, struggling with gathering restrictions in place during the pandemic, get some help from the province.

Carole Dixon has been a nurse for nearly 50 years, but the pandemic still had a thing or two to teacher her.

COVID testing clinics will have reduced hours on New Year's Eve and all will be closed on New Year's Day.

The Island hashad 96positive cases, with six still active. There have been no deaths or hospitalizations in the province.

Also in the news

• The annual polar bear dip in Charlottetown was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions. Co-organizer Cheryl Paynter said it would not be possible to adhere to distancing guidelines.
• ACBC investigationon how different provinces reacted to COVID-19 cases has found that all four Atlantic provinces avoided major outbreaks by remaining vigilant with their restrictions.
• A Summerside couple is brightening up the darker-than-usual holiday season for the seniors across the street through aChristmas light displaythat's been supplemented by donors.
• In her last interview with CBC P.E.I. before the holidays and the end of 2020, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrisonreflected on the tough past year,and looked ahead to some possible changes to pandemic protocols in the new year.

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.

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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