New $1M fund announced for Islanders ineligible for other relief programs

P.E.I. has announced a COVID-19 Special Situations Fund for those who are experiencing urgent income loss and do not qualify for any other previously announced provincial or federal support programs.

Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Steven Myers says the $1 million fund will be available to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations.

"This fund is for the most urgent situations," Myers said. "This is not a time for you to game the system. This is a time for Islanders to rally together."

Myers said the fund would be up and running by Friday and to call 1-833-533-9333. He said applications for businesses and organizations must be received by April 15.

Under the new program, Islanders may be eligible for up to $1,000 anytime after April 16.

"None of us are perfect and none of us profess to be, but we want to make sure nobody is left behind ... we don't want to see people falling through the cracks because they miss a program by a little bit," he said.

Myers also said that all non-essential government workers will continue to work from home until at least May 11.

Turning people away

In a briefing on Wednesday, Myers announced heightened COVID-19 screening and enforcement measures at the Confederation Bridge starting Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, Myers said that since then, they have turned away 11 individuals at the bridge.

The individuals arrived in four separate vehicles, and Myers said there were no arguments and the travellers turned around voluntarily.

Myers said the new measures were the strongest yet and are being implemented to support the chief public health officer's orders. 

"People still aren't taking this serious enough," he said.

Myers said the checkpoints would turn away all non-essential travellers, but essential workers commuting to P.E.I., essential workers in trade and transportation sectors who are moving goods, Islanders returning from medical appointments, returning students and individuals on compassionate grounds would be allowed through.

No evictions

On Monday, the Department of Justice and Public Safety had asked the P.E.I. Supreme Court to ban enforcement of all rental evictions in the province in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Thursday's briefing, Minister of Social Development and Housing Ernie Hudson said the province has upheld their application and suspended enforcement of eviction orders except in urgent situations. 

"This is to protect the health and safety of tenants and the sheriffs who assist in the enforcement," he said. 

The P.E.I. Housing Corporation has also put a moratorium on evictions until the end of June.

"If any Islander currently in our housing programs has seen their income change, we want you to call us, reach out to our housing office," said Hudson.

On Monday, the province announced a $1 million Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit program with the aim of helping renters who have had a loss of income because of the pandemic.

In Thursday's briefing, Hudson said Island households impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for $1,000. The money breaks down to $500 for April's rent and $250 payments allocated for May and June, which will be paid directly to landlords.

Hudson said applicants must be Island residents, must not be receiving rental support from another government or organization and must be receiving or applying for employment insurance or the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) to be eligible for the benefit program.

Self-employed Islanders who are able to meet the requirements for the Emergency Income Relief Fund will also be eligible, as are students who live off-campus. 

'Frankly, I'm amazed'

Minister of Economic Growth Matthew MacKay also announced several new programs for Islanders and businesses.

"Businesses across the province have experienced unique challenges," he said. "I applaud, and frankly, I'm amazed at the many Island businesses being innovative and resilient."

MacKay announced the COVID-19 Business Adaptation Advice Program to help businesses adapt and innovate during the pandemic.

Under the program, he said government will cover the cost for businesses or entrepreneurs to hire a professional to provide guidance and support on human resources, financial planning, digital or IT solutions, marketing advice and more.

More information on the program will be online tomorrow.

The province is also launching the Community Champions program — in partnership with Loblaw — to meet the food-related needs of Islanders, MacKay announced.

The $300,000 program will provide community organizations with gift cards to Atlantic Superstore, No Frills and Independent Grocer stores.

MacKay said the Island's 27 MLAs helped decide which community organizations would best meet the needs of their districts.

He said Holland College is also offering free online courses to Islanders on a range of subjects at www.eforcepei.ca.

22 cases

In an earlier news briefing Thursday, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison announced one new case of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 22 cases.

The newest case is a Queens County man in his 50s who travelled internationally. Morrison said the man self-isolated upon his return and is at home and doing well.

Three of P.E.I.'s 22 cases are considered to be recovered.

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.