COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, Dec. 8

There are no new cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I., Dr. Heather Morrison reported in her regular news briefing Tuesday.

Morrison issued another warning to anyone who disobeys self-isolation orders: you're breaking the law and you will be charged.

She also said the first doses ofCOVID-19 vaccinecould arrive on P.E.I. as early as next week, allowing the province to vaccine 1,000 people, starting with the most vulnerable: residents and staffin long-term care.

Air Canada is suspending its flights between Charlottetown and Toronto in the new year, but is adding flights between Charlottetown and Montreal.

Sunday,the province asked all Islanders in the capital region between the ages of 20 and 29 to get tested, even if they have no symptoms. Thousands lined up to take tests Monday and Tuesday at the Park Street drive-thru facility, with some spending hours in their cars.

On Tuesday, Morrison asked those 20-something Islanders to make a change: those with symptoms, those who live with roommates the same age, or work in a crowded space with people the same age, should all go to be tested first. Everyone else can wait a few days.

Some long-term care homes on P.E.I. say they're continuing to gain valuable COVID-19 knowledge as the year draws to a close.

Here's a handy map showing possible COVID-19 exposure areas and the times of possible exposures.

And here's a list of what Islanders can and can't do in the next two weeks, during what is being called a "COVID circuit breaker."

In response to the expected hit on hourly-wage workers' pockets, the P.E.I. government announced measures to give out amounts ranging from $100 to $500, as well as bringing back an employee gift card program.

All in-person classes and exams are being suspended as of Monday and only a limited number of employees will remain at UPEI as it moves to an "essential services" model.

Some high school students on P.E.I. are concerned they won't be getting the same level of education when classes move online.

Also on the education front, students and staff in P.E.I. public school grades 7-9 must now abide by masking rules brought in recently for high school students.

All restaurants on P.E.I. are now closed for indoor dining and some have turned to takeout only.

The head of the Catholic Church on P.E.I., Bishop Richard Grecco, says he understands the need to limit faith-based gatherings to 10 people or fewer, but he knows church members will be disappointed.

Also in the news

• Not sure what to expect when you go for a COVID-19 test, other than a long lineup? We have you covered with this swab-filled story.
• All P.E.I. school sports and extra-curricular activities have been temporarily suspended, and four high schoolswill move to remote learning.
• A Dalhousie University epidemiologist says P.E.I.'s new "circuit breaker" approach is just what the province needs to prevent COVID-19 from spreading out of control.

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.