COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Friday, April 3
Four of P.E.I.'s 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are considered recovered, P.E.I. chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced at an afternoon briefing Friday.
She also said P.E.I. is working to double the local testing capabilities on the Island every three to seven days going forward.
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King noted at a 4:30 p.m. briefing Friday that COVID-19 has not only affected the health of Islanders but has also caused economic damage.
Finance Minster Darlene Compton announced a $15 million increase to the emergency contingency fund bringing the total funding to $40 million in anticipation of the increasing needs of Islanders financially affected by COVID-19.
Compton also outlined additional financial measures to help Islanders with property tax relief, including the option to defer property tax payment.
Property owners will now have the option of deferring all property taxes owing until Dec. 31, 2020.
Dwindling demand for frozen potato products has prompted Cavendish Farms to tell farmers to look elsewhere to sell their potatoes.
The closing of restaurant dining rooms during the COVID-19 pandemic is being blamed for the drop in consumption.
Taxi companies on P.E.I. are also seeing a drop in demand. Some companies report most drivers have decided to stop working.
Government also announced in a release that at the request of the Retail Council of Canada, it is allowing retailers to distribute single-use paper bags free of charge to customers if they so choose citing health concerns as the reason.
In a briefing from the province Thursday, Minister of transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Steven Myers announced a $1 million fund that will be available to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations for do not qualify for any other previously announced provincial or federal support program.
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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.
