©Tourism PEI Carrie Gregory
Good news! There is no need to think about “two-household bubble mediation services” as Mother’s Day approaches.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced a further easing of public health measures in Prince Edward Island as the last remaining case of COVID-19 has recovered.
“We know that limiting our close interactions with others is our best defense against COVID-19. But we also know that there are people who are feeling isolated or who have loved ones in need,” said Dr. Heather Morrison. “As Prince Edward Island now has no evidence of active COVID-19, we will now permit indoor and outdoor gatherings of a limited size, while maintaining physical distancing as much as possible.”
What is newly allowed From May 8:
- Members of the same household may gather indoors with up to 5 other individuals from different households.
- 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.
- You may extend your household unit by one or two members, who are important to supporting your household or who you feel may need closer contact and support (ex: hug, handshake, etc.)
Priority non-urgent health care services begin on Friday, May 1 as part of Phase 1 of “Renew P.E.I. Together” plan. — including certain elective surgeries and select health service providers including physiotherapists, optometrists and chiropractors.
Outdoor gatherings and non-contact outdoor recreational activities were also permitted from May 1 as long as participants maintain physical distancing. That includes recreational fishing and golf.
“We know that limiting our close interactions with others is our best defense against COVID-19. But we also know that there are people who are feeling isolated or who have loved ones in need,” said Dr. Heather Morrison. “As Prince Edward Island now has no evidence of active COVID-19, we will now permit indoor and outdoor gatherings of a limited size, while maintaining physical distancing as much as possible.”
WHAT IS ALLOWED FROM MAY 8 – Phase 2 (Orange)
Re-openings and activities include:
- Elective surgeries and other non-emergency health services, including dental, physiotherapy, optometry and massage therapy.
- Outdoor public gatherings, with physical distancing, of 10 or fewer people.
- Indoor public gatherings, with physical distancing, of 10 or fewer people for in-person religious services, weddings and funerals.
- All in-person programs at post-secondary institutions, subject to the COVID-19 directives from Public Health. Virtual education options should be continued wherever possible.
- Cultural venues such as museums, galleries and libraries.
- Offices not deemed essential during the initial phase.
- Retail establishments, including malls.
- Restaurants.
- Campgrounds and outdoor recreational activities, such as zoos and outfitters.
- Early learning and child care centres regulated by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will be permitted to reopen as of May 19. The department will contact operators to provide further information in the coming days.
- Non-regulated child care providers may open as of today but must adhere to Public Health guidelines, including having an operational plan.
- Day camps, if the organization can adhere to Public Health measures set out in the document called COVID-19 Recovery Phase: Guidance to Early Learning and Childcare Facilities and Day Camps.
- ATV trails across the province.