P.E.I. reports 3 new COVID-19 cases – all involving fast-food employees

P.E.I. reports 3 new COVID-19 cases – all involving fast-food employees

HALIFAX —
Prince Edward Island is reporting three new COVID-19 cases – all involving fast-food restaurant workers – bringing active cases to eight.

On Saturday, P.E.I.’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Heather Morrison announced the cluster of cases. Morrison revealed the cases are linked and are close contacts of one another. Morrison also noted the cases have no recent history of out-of-province travel.

“The fact that these are new cases that are unrelated to travel is concerning. It is too early to suggest there is widespread community transmission; however, I am becoming increasingly concerned,” said Morrison. “Further decisions regarding additional public health measures in our province will be made in the next two or three days.”

The positive test results were received on Saturday.

All three cases involve women in their 20s who are employees of Wendy’s and A&W in Charlottetown.

All three cases are now self-isolating. They are mildly symptomatic but doing well.

The new cases bring the island’s case total to 76 since the pandemic began.

EXPOSURE LIST

Alongside the new cases, Morrison announced multiple exposure sites.

Restaurants

Anyone present at the following establishments on the following dates should monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, they should arrange to be tested and self-isolate until the results are received:

A&W – 650 University Avenue, Charlottetown

• Monday, Nov. 30
• Wednesday, Dec. 2
• Friday, Dec. 4

Wendy’s – 643 University Avenue, Charlottetown

• Tuesday, Dec. 1
• Wednesday, Dec. 2
• Friday, Dec. 4

Busses

Anyone who used the following T3 Transit bus routes on the following dates and times should monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, they should arrange to be tested and self isolate until the results are received:

Route 1

• Monday, Nov. 30 between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 2 between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 4 between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Morrison said public health anticipates the possibility of additional public exposure notifications on Saturday. Additionally, public notifications will be posted on the province’s website and on government social media platforms as the province gathers more information from the three cases through contact tracing.

“We know the COVID-19 moves when we move and is easily transmitted in crowded and confined spaces where people have sustained contact,” said Morrison. “As I stated before, I urge all islanders to behave as there could be COVID right next to them. I am again urging islanders to keep their social circle small and practice the public health measures we have in place to keep us all safe.”

TESTING SITE

Morrison noted public health is prioritizing identifying and testing all close contacts of the new cases. Park Street testing clinic will be open until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday to ensure everyone who needs to be tested has access to the service.

“Thank you to Health PEI, including the testing clinic and laboratory staff, for their ongoing dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to respond to COVID-19,” said Morrison.

This is a developing story. More to come.

Published at Sat, 05 Dec 2020 19:56:00 +0000