News Legislation
P.E.I. cuts isolation period to five days following positive COVID-19 test

Prince Edward Island has reduced the isolation period for a positive COVID-19 test from seven days to five days.

It is keeping a 10-day isolation period for immune compromised cases. People who test positive are required to wear a mask for five days after isolation when they are in indoor public places. Masks in high risk settings, including hospitals, long-term care and community care homes, will remain in place to reduce transmission throughout the province, the government said.

“Isolation continues to be an important layer of protection against transmission of COVID-19 while we prepare for a surge in cases on Prince Edward Island this Fall,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, chief public health officer. “It’s important that Islanders continue to be cautious, and this change in isolation will allow people to return to work and school after five days of isolation as long as they are feeling well and their symptoms are improving.”

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are legally required to isolate for 5 days (after onset of symptoms or positive test) regardless of vaccination status and are required to wear a mask for the next 5 days while in indoor public spaces. Individuals can exit self-isolation after 5 days if they are not experiencing any symptoms or if symptoms are improving (and no fever for the last 24 hours). Individuals who are immunocompromised must isolate for 10 days.

Clinic testing continues to be accessible throughout the province and it is important for individuals who are at risk of severe outcomes and are symptomatic to be tested at a Health PEI testing clinic to ensure they can access antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

Individuals who are isolating and require supports are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 to be directed to nearby community support systems, or provincial government service offices. This assistance includes help with securing food, personal prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and other emergency situations. The program operates on a self-referral basis. More information is available here(link is external).