COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Tuesday, March 31

Chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison says she expects the number of positive cases on P.E.I. to continue to increase. At a media briefing Tuesday, she announced three more positive cases, bringing the total on the Island to 21.

All are residents of P.E.I., she said, and all are related to travel. There have been no deaths on P.E.I.

In a late afternoon briefing, the province outlined its plans for home-based schooling, which begins on April 6. Education Minister Brad Trivers also announced that emergency child-care services would be available for essential workers at some child-care centres beginning as early as Wednesday.

P.E.I. National Park is closing access roads to discourage people from gathering there.

The P.E.I. government has issued a call for a long list of supplies the provincial health system needs as it deals with the pandemic.

Apartment buildings are making changes to help tenants respect physical distancing guidelines.

Restaurant inspections are moving to a complaint-based model, to limit direct visits of inspectors.

On Monday, a 27-year-old Summerside man was issued a $1,000 fine for violating a health order to self-isolate.

Recent stories

• P.E.I. hotels are closing and laying off hundreds of employees.
• The Charlottetown Festival is delaying its start until late June.
• Minister of Social Development and Housing Ernie Hudson said a moratorium on evictions previously announced by the PEI Housing Corporation will now be extended to the end of June.
• Doctors in Charlottetown can now refer patients with coughs or fever to special clinics for assessment. Doctors in Summerside will be able to do the same beginning Monday. Islanders without a doctor can call 811 for referral.
• Veterans Affairs has postponed a trip to commemorate the liberation of Holland. That was scheduled for May.

• A full list of COVID-19 cancellations can be viewed here. You can report closures on our cancellation hotline at 1-877-236-9350.

​​​Financial relief

• IRAC has suspended rental hearings indefinitely in response to the pandemic.
• Ottawa has agreed not to claw back money provided under the employment insurance program, and some Islanders not currently eligible for EI will be able to get it, says Premier Dennis King.
• The Charlottetown water and sewer utility is offering options for flexible payments to people suffering financial difficulties during COVID-19.
• The province announced $2 million to support early learning centres, staff and parents. The funding will ensure families won't have to pay fees while the centres are closed. The fund is expected to cover the next six weeks, starting March 20. 
• The province announced $500,000 in relief, including money for United Way, food banks, the Salvation Army and other helping organizations.
• Innovation PEI is providing self-employed Islanders $500 a week.
• Small businesses affected are eligible for loans of up to $100,000.
• Workers who continue to work but on reduced hours due to COVID-19 are eligible for a temporary $200 allowance per week. 
• The province's largest landlord, the P.E.I. Housing Corporation, suspended evictions for six weeks as of March 17. 
• Maritime Electric has suspended disconnection for non-payment for two weeks. It began March 17.

Health

• Health PEI's chief of nursing Marion Dowling who confirmed that the province will be receiving an additional 26 ventilators through the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile.
• The P.E.I. government says more mental health and addictions services are coming. Mental health and addictions support is moving from in-person to virtual connections.
• Emergency mini-clinic to monitor coughs and fever, funded by the federal government, have been set up.
• The P.E.I. government has created an Islanders Helping Islanders volunteer directory on its website for anyone looking for help during the pandemic. 
• Blood donation is still needed in the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian Blood Services' location at 85 Fitzroy St. in Charlottetown has the goal of collecting 32 units a day.
• P.E.I. has launched an online self-assessment for COVID-19 to alleviate high call volumes to 811.
• Seniors homes and community care facilities across the province remain closed to outside visitors.
• All dental clinics on P.E.I. are closed until further notice. Some clinics can manage emergency care, patients must first call to have emergencies evaluated.
• Health PEI is rescheduling non-essential appointments, and said those affected will be contacted directly.

Education

• Island schools and daycares will remain closed until at least May 11. 
• The Island's university and college students are back in class, but online.
• While spending more time at home, Islanders are taking advantage of resources at provincial libraries, again, all online. The physical libraries are closed.
• P.E.I. and Canada Student Loan repayments have been suspended for six months. 

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.
• The P.E.I. government has published a list of flights suspected of being at risk for COVID-19.
• Screening checkpoints are set up at the Confederation Bridge, Charlottetown airport and Souris ferry terminal.
• The federal government has banned boats and cruise ships carrying more than 500 people from docking at Canadian ports until July.

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.