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Discounted accommodations available for truckers on P.E.I. during pandemic

The trucking industry and drivers are concerned about the health of safety of themselves and their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic, says Steven Myers, P.E.I.'s minister of transportation.

'The trucking industry and truck drivers are providing an important essential service'

Tony Davis · CBC News ·
Traffic took to the new portion of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Truckers entering P.E.I. can book a room to self-isolate at Rodd Royalty Inn and Suites for a reduced fee. (Isabella Zavarise/CBC)

Rooms at a discounted rate will be available for truck drivers wanting to self-isolate while on P.E.I., said Minister of Transportation Steven Myers.

Myers said he had heard concerns from the trucking industry and its drivers about the health and safety of themselves and their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government is working with Rodd Royalty Inn and Suites to make rooms available for truckers.

A fee of $20 a night will be billed to the driver's company, "with no up-front cost to the drivers whatsoever," Myers said at a news briefing Thursday.

Truckers with a valid Class 1 licence or equivalent from other jurisdictions can present their IDs at the front desk to check in.

"There will be no housekeeping or restaurant services available, however the rooms will be turned over once a week as drivers vacate," he said.

'Those travelling should only do so if essential," says Transportation Minister Steven Myers. (Ken Linton/CBC)

Parking is available to truckers on-site, at the Calvary Church and Walmart. Myers said drivers wanting more information can call 902-892-2253 for booking information, parking directions and availability.

"The trucking industry and truck drivers are providing an important essential service during these challenging and uncertain times."

Truckers are ensuring goods, such as groceries, are delivered to P.E.I. and the rest of Canada, Myers said.

Myers said the Transportation Department continues to work with public health officials to enforce rules around non-essential travel into the province.

Since enhanced screening started at Confederation Bridge last week, 21 individuals in 15 separate vehicles have been turned away as their travel was deemed non-essential.

"Those travelling should only do so if essential."

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony Davis

Tony Davis is a video journalist with a focus on municipal government, housing and addiction for CBC Prince Edward Island. He produces content for radio, digital and television. He grew up on P.E.I. and studied journalism at Holland College. You can email story ideas to anthony.davis@cbc.ca.

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