P.E.I. announces new travel measures in response to omicron variant
CBC
P.E.I. has announced new travel-related measures in response to concerns about the COVID-19 omicron variant.
The province said Thursday it's adopting new rules similar to those imposed in Nova Scotia that would restrict travel for children taking part in interprovincial sport tournaments or art and cultural events.
The restrictions, along with new testing requirements for travellers, will come into effect Friday at 8 a.m.
Children under the age of 12 won't be able to travel in or out of the province for such events, and the province will no longer host them.
However, children will still be allowed to travel to out-of-province events if they are spectators and not participants.
Events that only involve Islanders are permitted.
The province also announced anyone arriving from an international destination, including the U.S., must be tested on the fourth day following their arrival, as well as at their point of entry. Day 4 tests were previously only recommended.
As well, individuals who return from an international location won't be allowed to enter long-term care centres or community care facilities until they've tested negative three times.
Tests will be required on Day 4 and Day 8 as well as on the date of entry. These restrictions apply to all staff, volunteers and visitors.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison said in a release that the measures are a precaution as the situation surrounding the omicron variant continues to evolve.
"I am concerned about the potential impact of the new variant on long-term care and community care residents who are at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19," she said. "Nationally, case rates among children age 5 to 11 years are the highest of any age group.
"The addition of these new measures is out of an abundance of caution as we continue to do what is necessary to protect the health of Islanders."
The measures will be in place until at least early January, after which they will be re-evaluated.
The province announced an individual who recently travelled outside P.E.I. tested positive for COVID-19.
Former University of Waterloo student pleads guilty to 4 charges in connection to classroom stabbing
A 24-year-old former University of Waterloo student has pleaded guilty to four charges in connection to an on-campus classroom stabbing last June.