COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Victoria Day Monday, May 24

Monday is a holiday on P.E.I. as it is in much of Canada: here's a list ofbusinessesthatare open and closed Victoria Day.

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King says the province'splan for an "open, safe" summer iscoming next weekon Thursday.

"What we're trying to work toward is to try to have the most open, safe summer that we could possibly have," King toldCompasshost Louise Martin last week.

Over the weekend, King also issued a statementin recognition ofParamedic Services WeekMay 23 to 29. And the province praisedthe tourism industry for its"resiliency, adaptability and grit" as itcontinues to navigate the impacts of thepandemic.National Tourism Week runs May 23 -30.

"These are certainly tough times for the industry, so I ask all Islanders to join me in supporting our local tourism operators and businesses this week whether it be booking a staycation, purchasing a gift card, dining in their restaurant or buying tickets to a show I ask you to show your support in any way you can," King said.

It won't be the same as hearing that "beautiful blend" of 350 women singing a capella live together, but a barbershop chorus on P.E.I. says holding anannual conference onlinehas its benefits.

With COVID-19 putting a stop to a lot of team sports, more people are getting intosolo activities like skateboarding especially women and girls.

The Charlottetown Islanders,playing inQuebec City due to COVID-19 safety precautions, can advance to the league final with a victory Sunday.

About 250 people gathered in Victoria Park in Charlottetown for apeaceful rallyin solidarity with Palestinian people on Saturday.

The Charlottetown Festivalreturns this Junewith a play celebrating the life of a Newfoundland and Labrador scientist who became known as "the whale man."

Many couples who planned to marry on the Island in 2020 postponed their weddings, but those who work in the wedding industry say some arestill hesitant to book for this summer, given the pandemic gathering limits and travel restrictions still in place.

There have been 200cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I. and15are considered active. There have been no deaths and two hospitalizations.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic region:

• Nova Scotia reported74new casesof COVID-19 and two deaths Sunday. It has 943 active cases.
• Newfoundland and Labradorreported 23 new cases,the highest single-day case count since Feb. 21. It has 87 active cases.
• Fourteen new caseswere confirmedin New Brunswick. It now has 128 active cases.

Also in the news

• Although it will be much like 2020,P.E.I. high schools are proceeding withtheir graduation and prom plans.
• Starting in June, junior high students on P.E.I. can receivethe first dose of their COVID-19 vaccinesat in-school clinics run by public health nurses.
• Parks Canada sites on P.E.I. are already busy as Islandersseek outside activities, which are considered low risk for spreading COVID-19.
• RCMP on P.E.I. are concerned about the number of complaints they are getting aboutlarge gatherings.
• The province isprocessing applications for seasonal residentsto come to the Island. Arrivals willbeginJune 8.

TheseIslanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• People over 12.
• Islanders over 40 can book an appointment for a Moderna vaccine at a pharmacy.

You can find more information about how to get a vaccinehere.

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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