7 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed on P.E.I. bringing total to 18

Seven new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed on P.E.I. bringing the total to 18, chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison said at Monday's afternoon briefing.

The new cases are women and men ranging in age from their 20s to 70s.

Most of the people were tested within the last two or three days, she said. All of them self-isolated upon return from travelling. None of the cases have involved hospitalization. 

One of the 18 cases is considered to be recovered, she said. 

According to the province's website, 590 tests have returned negative and results are pending for another 161. 

As a health system we've shifted our focus to controlling COVID-19 and attacking this virus.Dr. Heather Morrison

"As we continue to see our numbers in P.E.I. grow I will continue to stress the importance of social distancing, physical distancing and self-isolation," Morrison said. 

She emphasized the importance of these recommendations in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the weeks ahead. 

Enforcement officers working

Morrison said over the weekend, enforcement officers followed up on 56 complaints and visited 26 homes, resulting in 12 verbal warnings and nine written warnings.

Some of the complaints are coming from the 1-800 number, while others are being phoned into police. All have been about not maintaining physical distance, she said. 

Morrison said screening measures at the Confederation Bridge have been strengthened and additional information is being gathered from travellers. 

"Although we're talking about enforcement, I think it's important to emphasize that many of us are doing exactly what we're supposed to do and I thank you," she said. 

"We are looking at some options going forward, exploring measures under the Emergency Measures Act that could be enacted if needed."

As the situation progresses, Morrison said enforcement will continue to be refined.

New testing measures

Morrison said cough and fever clinics have expanded. The new Charlottetown location is already in operation and one in Summerside opened Monday.

The emergency mini-clinic opened on Saturday in Charlottetown, and includes a drive-thru testing clinic and a cough and fever clinic, Health PEI chief of nursing Marion Dowling said.

The mini-clinic will be open eight hours per day, seven days a week. It has already tested 68 people and assessed more than 25 patients, she said.

Dowling said Summerside's cough and fever clinic has already been offering drive-thru clinic services. So far, 24 people have been tested.

People are referred to the clinics by 811 or their family doctor and an appointment is made. People who need to be tested are asked to remain in their cars, Dowling said. 

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested regardless of travel history. 

Morrison said these new measures have been put in place in response to an increase in community transmission cases across the country. 

I want my mother back but I am happy to share her so please stay home if you need to.— Dr. Heather Morrison

"The sooner we can identify cases, the easier it will be to do contact tracing and self-isolation," she said.  

Morrison said the province is exploring temporary housing options for those who need to self-isolate and can't without government support.

She noted that much of the health-care system on P.E.I. has refocused to expand and train the Island's health-care workforce to increase capacity for testing and adapting facilities to treat patients of the pandemic. 

"We have asked a lot of people, as a health system we've shifted our focus to controlling COVID-19 and attacking this virus."

Medical equipment

Dowling also announced 200 more retired health-care workers have volunteered to help in COVID-19 efforts when ready.

With access to the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile, Dowling said the province will be receiving 26 new ventilators. She said another order for 12 ventilators is expected to arrive in late spring. 

Both orders are separate from the 15 ventilators already requested through the federal government.

The province currently has 19 ventilators in its acute care facilities, which are ready to be used as needed. 

'PS, if you need help just ask'

While people may be missing their friends and family, Morrison highlighted how crucial it is to maintain as much physical distance as possible during this time. She reiterated that people should not be gathering in groups. 

In closing, Morrison also shared a note she found from one of her children, addressed to Islanders.

"Please P.E.I., if you need to be in self-isolation you need to stay inside. It is hard I know, but please try." 

"I want my mother back, but I am happy to share her so please stay home if you need to and you could be saving a lot of people by doing just that. PS, if you need help just ask." 

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.