James Aylward

Dr. Heather Morrison will provide an update on #PEICOVID19 today, Friday, December 11, at 11:00 am. Follow along here or on YouTube at youtube.com/govpeca

COVID-19 testing clinics - Thursday, December 10 (don’t forget your health card). Montague Legion, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Charlottetown, Park Street, 8 a.m. to 8... p.m. Summerside, Slemon Park, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. O’Leary Health Centre, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Health PEI will also hold a clinic at UPEI from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This clinic is primarily for students, faculty and staff in the 20-29 age group. Please do not bring pets and only those who need to be tested should be in your vehicle (unless you need a driver, of course). More details here - https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//expanded-covid-19-testi

No new positive cases of COVID-19 in PEI - all test results received in the last 24 hours have been negative (2,000 tests are currently pending results). "It i...s clear that those in their 20s, as well as all Islanders, care deeply for their community and are willing to do whatever it takes to look after one another." - Dr. Heather Morrison Wondering who should get tested, or who can wait a few more days? Read more here: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//all-covid-19-test-resul

COVID-19 testing clinics for Wednesday, December 9, 2020 (don't forget your health card): Charlottetown, Park Street, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Summerside, Slemon Par...k, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m O’Leary Health Centre, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Montague Legion, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Please note there is no Stratford clinic planned for today. Health PEI will also hold a clinic today at Holland College from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's primarily for students, faculty and staff in the 20-29 age group, but anyone who presents at the clinic will be tested. If you are 20 - 29 years of age and live in the Charlottetown area you should get tested as soon as possible if: you live with multiple roommates in the same age group you work in a crowded setting with others in this age group (such as the fast food industry) or you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 Note if you are in this age group and do NOT have symptoms (or meet the above criteria), you can wait and get tested anytime over the next few days. And thank you all for doing your part to protect yourself and others!!! princeedwardisland.ca/covidtesting

Don't forget your health card! If you are getting tested because you are a Charlottetown area resident aged 20-29 but do not have symptoms, you can call 1-855-354-4358 for an appointment or book online if you'd prefer -princeedwardisland.ca/covidtesting

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison's weekly update: - no new positive cases of COVID-19 - the 13 active cases right now have at least 200 close... contacts, each has been tested and is in self-isolation for 14 days, regardless of their test results. - if Health Canada gives final stamp of approval, PEI could receive first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine next week and the Moderna vaccine a few weeks later - reminder that self-isolation is a legal requirement in PEI and those who do not comply will be charged. Marion Dowling, PEI's COVID-19 Joint Response Team Co-Lead, provided additional information on Health PEI's response: - 2,674 people were tested yesterday, many in the 20-29 age group - thank you for responding to the call! - additional hours added to testing clinics (UPEI and Holland College will both be setting up testing clinics as well) - some Health PEI services are being impacted while staff provide testing princeedwardisland.ca/covidtesting

This morning, our province moved into an enhanced caution phase of our COVID-19 response. This means staying home as much as possible, only going out for essent...ials. These 'circuit breaker' measures are the best path forward to keep our Island safe. I know that you are anxious and scared and worried, I think we all are, but Islanders have done this before, and we will do it again. We followed the Public Health Guidelines and came together by staying apart in the Spring and we will do what it takes to do the same going forward. We also need to commend the youth of our province for their quick action. The line-ups at testing clinics across the Island was their direct response to our government's ask and I am proud of these young Islanders. We will get through this next wave by being patient, being kind, and working together.

Today was a busy day as we recognized Sept 10th, 2020 as #WorldSuicidePreventionDay I am encouraged by the work and new initiatives that are being launched by the government and the Canadian Mental Health Association on PEI. Thank you to Canadian Mental Health Association, PEI Division for your new initiative to support our youth through suicide awareness. In addition, the introduction of Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Teams is finally becoming a reality as we hire st...aff and establish this long overdue service across PEI. I am incredibly proud of the work that is taking place between the Department of Health and NGOs to support Islanders.

Dr. Heather Morrison will provide an update on #PEICOVID19 today, Sunday, December 6, at 4:00 pm. Follow along here, or on YouTube at youtube.com/govpeca

Thank you Dr. Morrison for this update.

Islanders are advised of a possible COVID-19 public exposure in the Charlottetown area at the following locations: A&W Restaurant (650 University Avenue): - M...onday, November 30; Wednesday, December 2; and, Friday, December 4 Wendy’s/Tim Hortons Restaurants (643 University Avenue): - Tuesday, December 1; Wednesday, December 2; and, Friday, December 4 T3 Transit bus routes: - Bus Route 1: Monday, November 30, between 4 and 5pm - Bus Route 1: Tuesday, December 1 between 10:30 - 11:30 am and between 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Bus Route 1: Wednesday, December 2, between 2 and 3pm, as well as 10 and 11 p.m. - Bus Route 1: Friday, December 4, between 6 am and 7 am - Bus Route 1: Friday, December 4, between 1:30 and 2:30pm and 5 and 6pm Anyone who was at these locations during the times noted above should closely monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, get tested if symptoms develop and isolate until test results are back. Please note it is not necessary for customers who were at these locations to be tested unless you develop symptoms of COVID-19. Testing locations and times: princeedwardisland.ca/covidtesting

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed an additional positive COVID-19 case in Prince Edward Island, the second new case in 24-hours. ...The province currently has eight active cases and a total of 35 cases since the pandemic began. Read the full release with all of the details here: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//one-additional-positive

UPDATE - please note time change - to 2:45. Dr. Heather Morrison will provide an update on #PEICOVID19 today, Saturday, December 5, at 2:45 pm. Follow along here or on YouTube at youtube.com/govpeca

The second round of test results related to the positive #PEICOVID19 case at Charlottetown Rural have come back negative, to date. This includes anyone the stud...ent spent time with such as family, close friends, classmates he sat near, and hockey teammates. Each person is being monitored daily by public health and will remain in self-isolation for the full 14 days (even with negative test results). Reminder to all Island residents - do not let your guard down. It's extremely important we all continue to follow public health measures, and please get tested if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//second-round-covid-19-t

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed one new case of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. The case is a female in her 80s from Queens ...County. The woman is at home and is self-isolating. Contact tracing and follow-up is now underway, and a public briefing will be scheduled Sunday evening or Monday morning when more information is available. This case does not appear to be linked to the recent cluster of cases or Whisperwood Villa. See more

Giving Tuesday (https://givingtuesday.ca/) is a global movement designed to encourage everyone to give back and quite simply, to 'do good'. 2020 is the 8th year... for Giving Tuesday and the 3rd year for a PEI Gives province wide movement. Join us in the group Stratford Gives at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375623000357062/ See more

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, will provide an update on the #PEICOVID19 situation today (Monday, July 6) at 12:30 pm. Follow along here or on YouTube at youtube.com/govpeca

Thank you to Dr. Morrison for providing this update. For more information on Covid-19 visit: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

Today we give a big shout-out to our QEH Provincial Laboratory staff who worked so diligently on the weekend to get thousands of COVID-19 tests processed. We ar...e so grateful and proud of all of you! We are also grateful to our donors who supported the purchase of the GeneXpert instrument to help quickly process hundreds of samples in a 24 hour period and provide relief to Island families. We extend our sincere thanks to all PEI health care providers who are working to keep Islanders safe and to everyone who is sanitizing their hands, wearing a mask in public places, and physical distancing. This photo, taken in April 2020, features Dr. Greg German, QEH Medical Microbiologist and Infectious Disease Consultant with Health PEI, and Kari-lyn Rutley, Medical Laboratory Technologist in charge of Molecular Testing with GeneXpert, an instrument purchased through donations to QEH Foundation.

As part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, the Purple Ribbon Campaign began today on the International Day for the Elimin...ation of Violence against Women Due to COVID-19, the traditional purple ribbons have been replaced with ribbon pins Please consider participating in this campaign by wearing a purple ribbon and showing your solidarity with survivors

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has announced three additional positive COVID-19 cases in the province, bringing the provinces total to 30. ... The three cases are all Islanders and are related to travel within Canada. None of the cases are related to seasonal residents or the opening of the Atlantic Bubble. All three individuals are essential workers: a man in his 50s, a man in his 20s and a woman in her 20s. The man in his 50s recently traveled outside of the region and has been self-isolating since returning home. The man and woman in their 20s are believed to be connected, the man had traveled to Nova Scotia and had contact with someone who had traveled from the United States. The woman is a staff member at Whisperwood Villa and recently worked at the facility. She wore appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and does not provide direct personal care to residents. She left the facility as soon as she experienced symptoms. Whisperwood Villa was contacted last evening as soon as the Chief Public Health Office became aware of the positive case. As a precaution, all residents and staff at Whisperwood Villa will be tested for COVID-19. Staff are being contacted individually regarding the process to get tested, and resident testing is already underway. None of the residents at Whisperwood Villa are currently experiencing new COVID-19 symptoms. As an additional precaution, anyone who visited Whisperwood Villa on Tuesday, June 30 is also being contacted directly to arrange for testing. Contact tracing of the cases through public health nursing has started. Early and comprehensive contact tracing is key to containing further spread of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. The Chief Public Health Office continues to work with Whisperwood Villa, who has been diligent about following public health guidance since the pandemic began. All indoor and outdoor visits at the facility are cancelled until further notice and there will be no communal dining. The frequency of resident temperature checks will now take place twice a day, in addition to two screenings per day. All necessary steps are being taken to mitigate any spread of COVID-19 in the facility and keeping residents and staff safe is a top priority.

Today, Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, has confirmed one new case of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island. The individual has mild symptoms and is self-isolating at home. Contact tracing is ongoing, and the individual and their close contacts will be self-isolating for 14 days. The individual visited two restaurants in Charlottetown on November 21, 2020. Public health nursing will be using the sign-in sheets from these locations to identify who needs to be advi...sed of a potential COVID-19 exposure. All individuals that require a test due to a potential exposure at these locations will be contacted directly by public health nursing. The restaurant locations are: Terra Rossa (72 Queen Street) from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm The Gahan House Pub (126 Sydney Street) from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm The individual also visited the Atlantic Superstore at 465 University Avenue in Charlottetown on Monday, November 23 between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Anyone who was at this location during this time should monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if symptoms develop. If you require COVID-19 testing information can be found here: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//he/covid-19-testing-pei

Islanders who went to a licensed restaurant or bar in the Halifax Regional Municipality after 10:00 pm in last two weeks (since November 10, 2020) can visit any COVID-19 drop-in testing clinic in PEI to be tested. princeedwardisland.ca/covidtesting

Thank you to the Black Cultural Society of PEI for organizing a peaceful event this evening in Charlottetown. Now is a time for listening and growth. Our Island succeeds when we all stand together. Black lives matter.

Today I wear my crazy socks in support of Crazy Socks for Docs Day. Day in and day out doctors and health practitioners are in the ring fighting for our health. Lets show our support & remind them to look after their own mental health. Medical Society of PEI

Dr. Heather Morrison will provide an update on #PEICOVID19 today, Wednesday, November 25, at 2:15 pm. Follow along here or on YouTube at youtube.com/govpeca

Phase 3 of #RenewPEITogether means slightly larger indoor and outdoor gatherings, organized recreational activities and facilities can start up, restaurants may... open, and more . . . of course, all following social distancing and guidance from the Public Health Office. Learn more at princeedwardisland.ca/renewpei

Today is the 2020 Walk for Alzheimers. If you are interested in participating or donating, visit walkPEI.ca Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island

Today is the virtual Charlottetown Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History. Join the opening ceremonies this morning at 10:30 am and find more info by visiting cysticfibrosis.ca/walk/2020.

During the afternoon of May 30, 2020, numerous concerned citizens in Prince District have notified the RCMP there will be large gatherings for grad parties in t...he Western part of the District. The RCMP would like to remind those who might be considering this action how concerning this would be during the Covid-19 Pandemic State of Emergency. Not only would gatherings of this size present the potential for public safety health risks, but the gatherings of this size could lead to individual charges. As the Province is in Phase 2 the following conditions for gatherings remains in place: Members of the same household may gather outdoors with up to 10 other individuals from different households Maintaining physical distancing is important during any gatherings with those from outside your household Must follow the personal gathering limits Starting June 1, 2020 the Phase 3 conditions will take effect: Re-introduce gatherings of no more than 15 people indoor, and 20 people outdoors (for example, worship services, large families having visitors or playing frisbee in the park) Maintain physical distancing with individuals who are not part of one's household For a reminder of what is allowed during each phase check the information provided at the Renew PEI Together Plan website. The Prince District RCMP will be monitoring the situation and patrolling to ensure public safety. Parents and students are reminded, although graduation is a milestone in a young person's life, in this new era alternate ways to celebrate must be found. The RCMP would like to thank the public for it's co-operation in keeping each other safe during these trying times. If you would like to contact the RCMP with information please call RCMP East Prince at (902) 436-9300, RCMP West Prince at (902) 853-9300 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or on the web at www.peicrimestoppers.com.

Dr. Morrison and Premier King - I just want to say thank you. As part of the Executive Council team I know the very long hours, detailed discussions, and caref...ul consideration that goes into all your decisions. Being the Chief Public Health Officer and the Premier are extremely tough jobs at the best of times. Dr. Morrison and Premier King have shown what is arguably the finest leadership in the country during the last 9 weeks or so at what is among the toughest of times. In todays press briefing the passion and care that Heather and Dennis bring to their jobs bubbled to the surface. They are pouring their heart and soul into doing what is best for Islanders. Once again - thank you - proud to be a part of your team.

On the occasion of World Family Doctor Day, I want to extend my appreciation and thanks for all that you do to support Islanders with their Health Care, each & every day of the year!

As part of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Pride PEI has asked Islanders to paint the province rainbow to show support for o...ur 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This pride flag will fly all weekend at the Charlottetown Provincial Government Buildings as a sign of our governments allyship for these proud Islanders. See more

Due to the continued lack of community spread, Health PEI is able to increase the number of designated visitors allowed for compassionate reasons and in specifi...c service areas. Up to two designated visitors will be able to see patients in Palliative Care, Intensive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Obstetrics and Pediatric Care. For patients who are nearing the end of their life, two visitors per day will be permitted and the patient can also name up to 6 people who can rotate visits on a daily basis. This means that different people can now visit on different days. Health PEI continues to consider exceptions for compassionate reasons. These cases are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Effective today, May 14 - small campfires are permitted, but remember #StayApart for physical distancing - your fire pit/bowl must be 3 feet wide or smaller - ...your fire must not within 7.6 metres 25' of any building, woodpile, deck, etc. - you must attend your fire at all times & have water on hand for quick action if needed Check on your municipal bylaws #RenewPEITogether Important: The fire ban for all other fires remains in effect. That means no burning grass, brush, yard debris or anything that requires a burning permit.

Government will be providing an update on response to #PEICOVID19 and #RenewPEITogether today, Tuesday, May 12 at 4:00. Follow along here or on YouTube at youtube.com/govpeca

This week we celebrate National Nurses Week. Thank you to the amazing team of nurses we have here on PEI. Each day they take care of patients and their families with compassion, expertise and dedication.

Wishing all PEI moms a wonderful day! We hope you get lots of hugs!

GOOD NEWS ALERT Through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture & Land and the Community Foundation of Prince Edward Island, Rotary C...lubs will be distributing tulips at all Sobeys locations across the province today from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm while supplies last. Donations received will be going to the Family Violence Prevention Services and the Canadian Cancer Society. Its this easy: Drop into any Sobeys location on PEI Make a donation Receive a bundle of 10 tulips

UPDATE - Link to apply is here: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//covid-19-workspace-adap ATTENTION BUSINESSES: COVID-19 Workspace Adaption Assistance Fund w...ill help small businesses purchase and install protective measures such as plexiglass dividers or handwashing stations to safeguard employees and customers. Businesses can receive up to $2,000 and the program will be retroactive to March 16th to support businesses that have already put measures in place to operate safely. Renew PEI, Together outlines the gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. The plan will be implemented in four distinct phases with a progressive lifting of public health measures on individuals, communities and organizations over three-week periods. Renew PEI, Together is a general plan for Prince Edward Island. However, organizations and businesses are not required to re-open at the initiation of the relevant phase and may choose to continue operations in a manner and timeline they are comfortable with. Businesses open to the public must take every reasonable step to minimize interactions of individuals within 2 metres and implement enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared areas and surfaces. The Chief Public Health Office has developed a reference guide and operational plan template to help support businesses and organizations. The template can be found through the Renew PEI, Together website (link below). Businesses and organizations that have questions can email [email protected] https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//topic/renew-pei-together

Happy International Firefighters Day, Islanders. Thanks to these brave first responders!

Dr. Heather Morrison will provide an update on #PEICOVID19 and #RenewPEITogether today, Mon May 4, at 1:30. Beginning this week, unless otherwise noted, Dr. Morrison's updates will be on Mon, Wed & Fri. Follow along here or on YouTube at youtube.com/govpeca

Today we celebrate National Physicians Day across the country. Every day our Island physicians play an integral role in our health care system. We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate group of physicians caring for patients in a variety of health care settings here in PEI. The COVID-19 pandemic has served as an important reminder of the leadership role our physicians, such as Dr. Heather Morrison, play in normal and also throughout trying and uncer...tain times. I want to express my sincere appreciation of each and every physician in PEI for their hard work, compassion and the differences they are making in lives every single day. Thank you for always going above and beyond to provide the very best care to your patients and their loved ones.

As we Renew PEI Together through the phases outlined by our Chief Public Health Office, it is important to respect one another. Times may be different, but PEI can continue to lead Canada by exhibiting empathy, respect & compassion.

Hospice PEI has launched the No Islander Alone program to support seniors who are isolated from their communities by the #PEICOVID19 pandemic. Hospice PEI volu...nteers will check in with seniors by phone, and they can also help connect seniors and their families with additional supports that may be required. To register call 1-844-954-7433 (toll-free) The No Islander Alone initiative is a partnership with United Way PEI and funded by the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors program.

Today we celebrate National Physicians' Day across the country. Every day our Island physicians play an integral role in our health care system. We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate group of physicians caring for patients in a variety of health care settings here in PEI. The COVID-19 pandemic has served as an important reminder of the leadership role our physicians, such as Dr. Heather Morrison, play in normal and also throughout trying and uncer...tain times. I want to express my sincere appreciation of each and every physician in PEI for their hard work, compassion and the differences they are making in lives every single day. Thank you for always going above and beyond to provide the very best care to your patients and their loved ones.

A message to PEIs Class of 2020

Contact tracing means, if you were to come down with #PEICOVID19, anyone who you might have been in contact with may need to get tested and self-isolate to prev...ent further spread. Now that we're getting out and about a bit more, it's important to keep track of your contacts. It's a good idea to keep a log of your interactions - just in case contact tracing is needed. Learn more about #RenewPEITogether here - https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//topic/renew-pei-together

Important physical distancing reminder: Whether you are checking out new summer equipment, or picking up a recreational fishing license, physical distancing mus...t be followed - just the same as at the grocery store or pharmacy. When phase one of Renew PEI launches on Friday, it will allow for limited outdoor gatherings and non-contact outdoor recreational activities - but only with proper social (physical) distancing.

Even though we cannot physically be together, we must call on our inner strength to find a different way in sharing our sorrow. - Premier Dennis King The Prince... Edward Island government administration building in Charlottetown is displaying blue lights to honour the victims and show the provinces support for Nova Scotians, the RCMP and all those grieving. Nova Scotian music will also be heard around the government complex and an artistic metal crafted silhouette of Nova Scotia is on display as a show of solidarity. (thank you to bagpiper James MacHattie)

RCMP Cst. Heidi Stevensons obituary reads the couple cherished family ski trips, beach walks in Prince Edward Island..." and so some of our officers did just ...that in her memory today (photo credit: Jeff Eagar of Hummingbird Productions) #NovaScotiaStrong #RCMPNS Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia #RIPCstStevenson See more

Note - change of time: Dr. Heather Morrison and Marion Dowling will provide an update on #PEICOVID19 today (Friday, Apr 24) at 2:15. The change in time for tod...ay is to respect the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Prince Edward Island moment of silence for Nova Scotia at 2:00pm. Follow along here or youtube.com/govpeca PEI Public Safety

We are sending condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who were senselessly killed yesterday. Our hearts are with Nova Scotia today