COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, April 23

In her briefing on Thursday, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for P.E.I.

She said 119 negative tests have returned from the lab since Wednesday.

Morrison said even though it has been more than a week since P.E.I.'s last confirmed case, it isn't the time to get complacent about precautionary measures and that social distancing remains important.

Expanded testing criteria was also announced on Wednesday. Morrison said P.E.I. now has the capacity to do 2,000 tests each week.

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.

Also in the news today

• A stockpile of personal protective equipment for long-term care homes is holding up, says Health PEI.
• New border screening measures at Charlottetown Airport could see some people arriving on a quick return flight.
• Two startup businesses on P.E.I. are finding ways to make it through the pandemic.
• Canadian Federation of Agriculture says more COVID-19 support is needed for farming and processing industries.

Other recent stories

• While the P.E.I. government looks to ease back coronavirus restrictions, some of the biggest employers in the province are gearing up for a season like no other.
• The $9 billion in student financial supports announced by the federal government is 'promising,' said UPEI Student Union vice-president academic and external Sweta Daboo.
• A Mi'kmaq woman offered a dance of mourning and healing at Charlottetown's RCMP detachment in memory of the Nova Scotia shooting victims.
• P.E.I. grocery clerks say the pandemic is 'hard on the head.'
• Atlantic Beef Products is seeing  increased demand after an Alberta plant closure.
• Habitat for Humanity P.E.I. says new builds for 2020 are uncertain because of COVID-19.
• After weeks of uncertainty, Ottawa has said the spring lobster fishing season will start May 15 and end June 30, a delay of two weeks.

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.