COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Friday, April 24

There are no new positive cases of COVID-19 to report, says P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison in an afternoon briefing Friday.

Morrison said the province has received 98 more negative test results as of Thursday. 

She said of the Island's 26 cases of COVID-19, 24 are considered recovered. The last time a new case was announced was April 15.

Currently, she said there are 1,714 people self-isolating on Prince Edward Island, with more than 1,000 people who have completed their self-isolation period.

Morrison reiterated how important staying diligent is even as the number of cases remains low on P.E.I. and assured Islanders, "We are working very hard on a cautious plan for reopening P.E.I. together."

She cautioned that gatherings with people outside of your household is still not permitted at this time, even as the province hopes to begin easing restrictions in May.

P.E.I.'s emergency responders paid tribute to Const. Heidi Stevenson with parades in Summerside and Charlottetown.

P.E.I.'s Official Opposition is taking its hardest line yet calling for the provincial legislature to sit, saying it's "essential" to allow government to pass necessary changes in legislation and provide "real-time oversight."

The Charlottetown Festival is cancelled for 2020. Physical distancing makes not only audiences, but rehearsing impossible.

Premier Dennis King talks about what he hopes can be salvaged of the tourist season.

Minister of Finance Darlene Compton said there is "little doubt" P.E.I. will run a deficit for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Also in the news 

• Families caring for loved ones with disabilities finding full-time care a struggle during pandemic.
• P.E.I. liquor stores are now allowing medical masks following a customer complaint.
• The COVID-19 pandemic is a very difficult and challenging time for those with vision loss, says the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
• Tignish Seniors Home residents share their life advice during the pandemic.
• Ahead of the growing season, the government of P.E.I. announced it will provide $4.7 million to address the Island's potato surplus as a result of COVID-19 market conditions.
• Expanded testing criteria was announced on Wednesday. as P.E.I. now has the capacity to do 2,000 tests each week.
• Canadian Federation of Agriculture says more COVID-19 support is needed for farming and processing industries.
• A national help line for children has seen a big increase in calls from P.E.I.
• Planning for Old Home Week is complete for this summer, but there is no guarantee it will happen.

Further resources

• Here is information for living with the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. — including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, and essential health services.
• Here are charts tracking COVID-19 numbers and a timeline of COVID-19-related events on P.E.I.
• A full list of COVID-19 cancellations can be viewed here. You can report closures on our cancellation hotline at 1-877-236-9350.

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.
• Practise physical distancing.

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

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