Charlottetown 
PEI is bringing in more restrictions to curb the spread of the omicron variant.
The new measures announced by Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison include the closing of in-person dining at restaurants, gyms, and limiting personal gatherings to a single household.
These restrictions will be in effect starting today at midnight for a two-week period ending on Monday, January 31.
Announcing the new measure, Dr. Morrison said, “Our numbers are going in the wrong direction and we are facing a serious situation. We have all been doing our best to contain the spread of COVID-19, and while it is helping, we are experiencing concerning trends. Now is the time to increase our measures to balance taking steps to protect those who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes and supporting our hospital system. We need time to reverse some of the trends we are seeing and we can do that by limiting our contact with others.”
List of New Restrictions – January 19 to 31, 2022:
- Personal gatherings are limited to a single household plus up to two other support people, where needed. People who live alone can join another household.
- Single households may participate in outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, skating and hiking.
- Organized gatherings are not permitted.
- Funeral and wedding ceremonies are permitted with up to ten people plus officiant.
- Gyms, group fitness classes and all indoor recreational facilities will be closed.
- In-room dining and services at eating establishments or licensed premises will be closed.
- Take out, drive thru and home delivery are permitted.
- Public and private schools will be closed to in-class learning until Monday, January 31. Respite programming can continue at schools.
- Museums, casinos and bingo halls are closed.
- Retail will remain at 50 per cent capacity with physical distancing.
In addition, the following changes are made to long-term care and community care visitation:
- In facilities where there is no outbreak, three partners-in-care can visit their loved ones. In facilities where there is an outbreak, only one partner in care can visit.
- Residents are not permitted to go on community visits, unless it is for essential purposes, including medical or dental services.
The province reported 407 new cases of COVID-19 and 129 recoveries today.
There are currently 2,214 active cases of COVID-19 in PEI with eight individuals in hospital being treated for COVID-19. This includes four people in intensive care.
