COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, Nov. 26

Starting this coming Monday, the P.E.I. government says masks will be mandatory for staff and students in grades 10-12 at all times inside a school building, including while sitting at their desks. Exemptions will be made for when students are eating or drinking,and certain other situations.

As well, all visitors to all P.E.I. schools (not just high schools) are being reminded that they must wear masks at all times.

Contact tracing isunderway at threepotential COVID-19 exposure sites in Charlottetown the Atlantic Superstore, Gahan House pub and Terra Rossa restaurant and so far, all tests have come back negative.

The case and the exposure locations wererevealed on Wednesday during an unscheduled public health briefing.

In her weekly interview with CBC News: Compass, Morrison talked about the recent case and outlined how the CPHO investigates possible spread.

New Brunswick's premier announced Thursday that as of midnight, everyone returning to that province including people from P.E.I.must self-isolate for 14 days to help curb the spread of coronavirus. The new rule comes as New Brunswick confirmed 12 new cases and said Fredericton will join the Saint John and Moncton regions in the orange zone.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia reported 14 new COVID-19 cases for a total of 114 active cases, and Newfoundland and Labrador added three new cases.

A social media group is compiling a growing list of Island businesses to help people shop local during the pandemic.

Engaging with green living things like plants can help relieve pandemic stress, says certifiedforest therapy guide Julietta Sorensen Kass.

Islanders in hospital and long-term care in western P.E.I., suffering from isolation in the pandemic, can now explore the world using virtual reality headsets.

UPEI and Holland College are recommending students not leave the Island during the Christmas holidays, but are making plans in case they do.

P.E.I.'s Department of Justice and Public Safety says it is dealing with a spike in people seeking approval to come to the Island.

This year's Victorian Christmas Market in downtown Charlottetown iscancelled due to COVID-19.

There are two activeCOVID-19 casesin the province. P.E.I. has seen a total of 70cases, with no deaths and no hospitalizations.

Also in the news

• A new group on P.E.I. is helping to make sure Islanders have reusable masks, by linking up mask donors with agencies and groups in a position to receive and distribute them.
• Health-care facilities are taking some extra precautions during the next two weeks while the Atlantic bubble is suspended.
• As Island businesses gear up for the holidays, news of the Atlantic bubble closing has left some hoping it will be a chance to attract and retain more local customers.

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.

Morefrom CBC P.E.I.