P.E.I. lifting COVID-19 isolation rules

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I. is lifting all COVID-19 isolation guidelines amid an ongoing rise in respiratory sicknesses in Prince Edward Island.

Chief public well being officer Dr. Heather Morrison introduced the adjustments late within the afternoon on Nov. 30.

People who take a look at optimistic for COVID-19 after the onset of signs or a optimistic take a look at are now not legally required to isolate no matter vaccination standing.

Public Well being as an alternative strongly recommends that individuals shield themselves, significantly people who find themselves at a excessive danger of extreme outcomes from any respiratory sickness.

Morrison famous that instances of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise in P.E.I., urging Islanders to remain residence if they’re feeling unwell and to put on a masks in crowded indoor areas to assist cut back the unfold of all respiratory sicknesses.

“Despite the fact that the well being risk of COVID-19 on P.E.I. has lessened over time with excessive vaccination charges, accessing therapies and the evolution of much less extreme variants, it will be important for folks to proceed to remain residence when they’re sick whereas different respiratory sicknesses are locally,” mentioned Morrison.

She additionally suggested that individuals ought to keep residence till their signs have been bettering for not less than 24 hours with out a fever.

Masks in high-risk settings, together with hospitals, long-term care and group care houses, will stay in place to scale back transmission in susceptible settings.

Residents of long-term care and people needing hospital care are at greater danger from extreme outcomes from COVID-19 and different respiratory sicknesses similar to influenza.

Masking of workers and guests helps to forestall transmission to these at highest danger of respiratory sickness.

Fast antigen checks can be utilized to evaluate and monitor for COVID-19 an infection, and take a look at kits can be found in numerous places.

Clinic testing can also be accessible all through P.E.I.

These liable to extreme outcomes and who’re symptomatic needs to be examined for earlier analysis and entry to antiviral therapy for COVID-19.