Community spread of Covid in Atlantic Canada is controlled again and Prince Edward Island has opened to other Atlantic Canadians. On July 18th, we open to all Canadians. Everyone must apply for a Prince Edward Island pass prior to coming here or returning home from a visit off-island. Proof of vaccination means one doesn’t have to self-isolate on arrival.
The most controversial move recently by the province has been the removal of the mask mandate indoors for fully vaccinated people. This move has caused mixed reaction from islanders. I am one week post second vaccination but I’m not sure if this time next week I will be ready to ditch the mask at stores and other indoor locations.
Islanders have been compliant with the masking directive throughout the pandemic but there have been reports of people harassing those who continue to wear masks indoors. I don’t understand such behaviour. If I wear a mask it doesn’t affect your freedom to do as you wish. The pandemic continues with an end within grasp…maybe.
I fell into a ditch on my bike this past week. We were cycling a remote section of trail with few users as evidenced by the overgrowth on the trail. That section had not been groomed yet this year. Over the thirty plus kilometres we only met one person. The thought that I would cycle off the narrow strip was in my head up to the time I did just that.
The bike is 27 kilograms or 60 pounds and isn’t easy to lift off oneself from among the bushes when hurt. However, riding wasn’t a problem after my husband helped me up although I did injure my ankle. It is sore and bruised still but not painful like it was the first day. It could have been much worse.
The garden grows despite the cold temperatures we’ve had recently. I planted seeds and plants June 7th and over a month in, tomatoes are forming as is cauliflower. The beans are staked and growing well as are the cucumber plants. Again this year the peppers don’t like my vegetable patch. Those plants aren’t thriving as are the others.
The potato fields around the island, supplying 25% of Canada’s need, are growing well too. The early potatoes look ready to blossom. Corn, mainly grown for silage, has grown well with the rain this past few weeks.
Tourists are returning to the island this summer. It is good to see businesses open again but some have succumbed to the pandemic leaving empty store fronts and closed motels and cottages. It will take a long time to recover from this pandemic.
The remnants of hurricane Elsa passed over the island this past weekend without much damage. High winds with the trees full of leaves can be devastating. We are happy not to have lost any old friends!