COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Wednesday, May 6
Province will be updating testing criteria
There were no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 to report, said P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison at a Wednesday afternoon news briefing.
All but one of the Island's 27 cases of COVID-19 are considered recovered.
Morrison said the province will be updating COVID-19 testing criteria, a document has been added to the province's website. Officials will be meeting again later on Wednesday to review it.
Some of the groups which have been added to the list, she said, include staff at the microbiology lab at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and long-term care staff that work at more than one site.
Morrison also noted that starting next week, long-term care staff will only be working at one facility.
Cottagers may be allowed to return to P.E.I. in June and some international students are facing financial hardship, with no government programs to help them.
Charlottetown Airport is looking at past financial shocks to try to figure out how air travel might recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A federal agriculture aid program falls far short of what it needs to be, says the P.E.I. Potato Board, and leaves out a crucial group on the Island.
Ottawa plans to announce a fisheries support plan in the next few days, says the federal fisheries minister.
With Phase 1 of the province's ease-back plan implemented May 1, P.E.I.'s businesses are now anxiously looking ahead to Phase 2 and what it will mean for them.
The Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival is not being cancelled this year. It's going online.
P.E.I. charities are making changes to reach patrons during the pandemic.
Also in the news
- In an effort to bridge the gap caused by a lack of tourists, the province is shifting from its traditional marketing campaign and will instead look to attract Islanders to activities and events on P.E.I.
- New Glasgow Lobster Suppers plans to open in early July for what the manager calls a "survival year."
- Dental clinics will be allowed to reopen May 22, offering emergency treatments.
- Watermark Theatre has cancelled the 2020 season, saying the pandemic will lead to both economic and artistic changes.
- Some P.E.I. hairdressers are concerned about plans for them to return to work.
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.