CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said his province is not considering loosening travel restrictions further beyond the Atlantic bubble at this time.
During consideration of estimates in the legislature on Friday, King was asked by Green Opposition Leader Peter Bevan-Baker about reports that Nova Scotia might drop some of the requirements related to a 14-day quarantine for out-of-province travellers.
As recently as last week, McNeil had said plans were in the works to open Atlantic Canada up to the rest of Canada by mid-July. Nova Scotia has been the least restrictive of the Atlantic provinces in relation to travel with the rest of Canada.
King said he had spoken to the premiers in a recent call. He acknowledged that McNeil has announced he would like to see the quarantine requirement eased for Canadian travellers outside of Atlantic Canada.
"I'm not sure he has the full support yet of the CPHO in his province," King said of McNeil.
King said that neither he nor Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball are currently considering allowing unrestricted travel from outside the Atlantic bubble.
King said New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, in a recent call, was mostly concerned about what expectations there would be from other provinces related to monitoring and policing the Quebec border.
"I don't think there's an Atlantic approach to go with the rest of Canada at this point," King said.
King said chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison is not looking to study further easing of travel restrictions with the rest of Canada before Aug. 1.
"Her big concern remains the U.S. border," King said of Morrison.
"Right now, we, as a province of P.E.I., are content with the Atlantic Bubble," King said.
