Two more deaths due to COVID-19

P.E.I.'s chief public health officer is reporting two COVID-19 related deaths alongside 157 new cases of the virus on Monday, Jan. 24.

In a news release, Dr. Heather Morrison confirmed Prince Edward Island's seventh and eighth fatalities due to COVID-19. The individuals are both between the ages of 60 and 79 years.

“I was saddened to learn that two more people passed away related to COVID-19,” said Morrison. “My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones who are grieving the losses of these individuals.”

The number of hospitalizations remained steady, with nine in hospital because of COVID-19. Two people are in intensive care.

Two others are in hospital and are positive for COVID19 but are being treated for other reasons.

The new cases reported Monday are offset by 219 recoveries leaving 2,422 active cases of COVID-19.

P.E.I. has seen an average of 269 new cases per day over the past week.

No new outbreaks were reported on Jan. 24. There are currently six long-term care facilities, two community care facilities and five other congregate settings with outbreaks.

Additionally, 19 early learning and childcare centres have cases of COVID-19. Three centres are open, eight are closed and eight are operating at a modified or reduced capacity.

As of Jan. 19, 96.1 per cent of Island residents over the age of 12 years received at least one dose of vaccine and 92.9 per cent were fully vaccinated. Sixty-one per cent of children aged 5 to 11 had one dose and 43,863 individuals have received their booster dose.