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COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, April 2

CBC
·3 min read

One new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed on P.E.I. bringing the total to 22, said chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison in a news briefing Thursday afternoon.

The new case — a Queens County man in his 50s — is related to international travel, and he is at home self-isolating.

Morrison highlighted that the case is an example of why self-isolating is so crucial. She spoke to the man Thursday morning and said he is doing well.

Going forward, she said the province will be following up with each individual who has been instructed to self-isolate on a daily basis, to ensure they are complying with the new health measures.

"One of the many things that keeps me up at night is worrying about what will happen if we get widespread community transmission in P.E.I."

A group of small businesses is asking the P.E.I. government for more support in order to avoid having to close permanently.

P.E.I.'s Chinese community has raised thousands of dollars to support the provincial health-care system.

The manager of the Upper Room Food Bank describes the last two weeks as "chaotic."

Buddhist monasteries on the Island have closed themselves off to outside community contact.

The government of P.E.I. is heightening COVID-19 screening and enforcement measures at the Confederation Bridge starting Wednesday evening, said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Steven Myers.

Myers said travellers who are not considered to be essential workers, students returning home, those moving goods, or commuting to the Island under compassionate grounds will be told to turn back.

In addition, a new COVID-19 income support fund has been established to help Islanders experiencing a loss of income ahead of the arrival of other federal benefits. It and will arrive as a one-time lump sum of $750, said Minister of Economic Growth Matthew MacKay.

Some nursing homes have closed their dining rooms.

Recent stories

Financial relief

  • IRAC has suspended rental hearings indefinitely in response to the pandemic.

  • The Charlottetown water and sewer utility is offering options for flexible payments to people suffering financial difficulties during COVID-19.

  • Small businesses affected are eligible for loans of up to $100,000.

  • The province's largest landlord, the P.E.I. Housing Corporation, suspended evictions for six weeks as of March 17.

Health

  • Health PEI is rescheduling non-essential appointments, and said those affected will be contacted directly.

Education

Travel

  • Any Islanders who have travelled out of province — whether experiencing symptoms or not — are required to self-isolate for 14 days following their return. This applies to people who have travelled internationally since March 8, and anyone who travelled to another province since March 21.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

  • Fever.

  • Cough.

  • Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built a self-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.