CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — As of May 1, you can gather with up to five people outdoors, but hugs or handshakes are still a no-go.
Premier Dennis King and chief health officer Dr. Heather Morrison have released details of the province’s plan to loosen coronavirus-related health restrictions. The plan calls for a gradual relaxing of public health measures, over a four-phase period.
The first phase, which begins May 1, will allow small gatherings outdoors of up to five. However, a physical distance of 6 feet will still need to be maintained. The second phase, which will begin May 22, will allow visits to other households of up to five, as well as outdoor gatherings of up to 10.
“I could take one of my children and we can go for a walk with a friend and their daughter. That’s something we haven’t been able to do,” said Morrison.
“The second phase, when we talk about five people in one house, perhaps two people could go visit another couple at their house, but still maintain social distance.”
The third phase will begin June 12, 2020. The fourth phase, which will see wider restrictions limited is not given a concrete date.
A document released by the province outlines activities permitted in each phase.
In phase one, as of May 1, non-urgent health-care services, including elective surgeries, cancer screenings and physiotherapy services will recommence. Non-contact outdoor activities, including recreational fishing, cycling and golfing will be permitted. Gatherings of up to five on decks and in driveways are permitted. Child care for essential service workers will continue, and visitor restrictions on long-term care facilities will remain in place. Schools will remain closed, with home-based learning activities continuing.
In phase two, as of May 22, indoor gatherings will be reintroduced, with no more than five people, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Outdoor gatherings will increase to 10 people.
Some retail outlets, including barbers, hairdressers and greenhouses will re-open with limited occupancy and physical distancing measures. Unlicensed and licensed child care facilities will re-open and non-urgent health-care services such as massage therapy and dentistry will be permitted. Visitor restrictions on long-term care facilities will remain in place. Schools will remain closed, with home-based learning activities continuing.The third phase could “potentially” see the re-opening of hospitality services such as restaurants, hotels and inns. But for restaurants, only members of the same household will be able to dine together and buffets will not be permitted. Recreational spaces such as pool tables or dance floors will remain closed. Schools will remain closed, and visits to long-term care facilities will remain restricted.
Phase three, as of June 12 will permit gatherings such as religious events or family events of up to 15 indoor and up to 20 outdoor. Physical distancing will still be in place. Outdoor recreational events such as soccer or swimming will recommence and cultural services such as libraries and art galleries will re-open.
Details around the fourth phase are scant. The province’s plan does not include a date on when this period will begin but describes it as “a new way of life, a new normal”.
“At this point in time, we do not know exactly what this will look like or when we will get there,” says a passage from the province’s plan.
King said the plans were developed with a high priority on public safety.
"There are no programs to bring people back from the dead," King said.
Morrison also announced the Island’s 27th case of COVID-19. The case was related to international travel. Morrison said the individual is currently isolating at home.
