COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, Dec. 22

In the final planned COVID-19 briefing for Prince Edward Island in 2020, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison laid out more details on the Island's vaccination plan, while Chief of NursingMarion Dowling said walk-in testing clinics will have reduced holiday hours and urged Islanders to check the province's site before heading out for testing.

Morrison also gave details on increased pandemic enforcement, including55 random checks on those in self-isolation over thelast few daysresulting in three people being under investigation, and the inspection of 32 businesses over the weekend bringing to light problems with six of them.

The province announced Tuesday it isoffering cash to community halls to help them get through COVID-19 in the New Year.

CBC P.E.I. launched the first in a series of stories with Islanders who've made a difference in the lives of others during the pandemic, starting with the CEO of P.E.I. Seniors Homes, Jason Lee, who said that at one point he slept in hisbarn for fear of spreading the virus to his family.

It won't be the Christmas they hoped for, but residents of long-term care homes on P.E.I. are pleased that visitor restrictions have been lifted somewhat in time for Christmas.

P.E.I.'s COVID-19 vaccination clinic is going smoothly, vaccinating 250 to 300 people a day,said Karen Ellis,the program lead for public health nursing on P.E.I., in aninterview withCBC News: Compass.

Organizers with the volunteer group Santa's Angels say demand for Christmas-morning visits from Santa, complete with presents and food,is up again this year on Prince Edward Island.

Afraid of needles, including the COVID-19 vaccine? It'smore common than people think, saysclinical psychologistKatie Birnie, who offered suggestions for coping with needle fear.

The Island hashad 91positive cases, with sevenactive. There have been no deaths or hospitalizations in the province.

Also in the news

• TheQuebec Major Junior Hockey League says its 12 Quebec-based teams will resume play next month in Chicoutimi, Drummondville, Rimouski and Shawinigan, and said it hopesits six teams in Atlantic Canada can resume as soon as Jan. 21.
• If you're having a smaller holiday meal than usual, check out ideas for what to cook from two Island chefs.
• Here's how some Islanders are changing plans for Christmas dinnerbecause of gatheringrestrictions.
• Larger gatherings can now be heldat places ofworshipand hockey games can go ahead, though in some cases no spectators will be allowed.

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.

More from CBC P.E.I.