3 of 21 COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. considered recovered

Three COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. are considered recovered, said Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, during her afternoon briefing Wednesday.

The total number of COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. remains at 21. 

Across Canada, Morrison noted there have been more than 8,500 cases of COVID-19, with a total of 96 deaths. 

On Prince Edward Island, 870 tests have been conducted with 665 returning back negative, she said. All cases are related to international travel. 

Morrison noted that 48 per cent of P.E.I.'s cases so far have been women. 

She said 62 per cent of the province's cases have been from Queens County and 28 per cent from Prince County. 

Most common symptoms

Morrison said the most common symptoms of the cases on P.E.I. have been cough, chills and headaches. 

"Although we don't have any new cases to announce, this is not a time to slow down or become complacent," she said. 

These acts of kindness mean so much.— Dr. Heather Morrison

She noted that it is a critical time to continue efforts in maintaining physical distancing and self-isolation in cases where people have returned from travel. 

Morrison reiterated that self-isolating does not mean people are able to go to the grocery store or the bank. Those who are required to self-isolate must remain on their properties for a period of 14 days. 

She reminded Islanders that if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they must call either their family doctor or 811 to be referred to a cough and fever clinic. 

'We will get through this'

Morrison highlighted an online video designed to demonstrate how to properly wash groceries and announced that no new construction permits have been issued because of the pandemic. 

"Certainly if construction sites are operating and can be delayed or postponed in terms of finishing they should stop work," she said. 

"But any emergency construction repairs should continue." 

Morrison took a moment to thank first responders and essential health-care workers. 

And highlighted a parade put on by first responders in Charlottetown Wednesday morning to show appreciation for health-care workers. 

"These acts of kindness mean so much," Morrison said. "We will get through this. But we're in for some rough days ahead."

Morrison also recited some lyrics from a song written by Tara MacLean and Catherine MacLellan about the pandemic.

Staying ahead of expected rise in cases

Health PEI's chief of nursing Marion Dowling said the Island's health-care system is working hard to prepare for an expected rise of cases of COVID-19.

Dowling said Health PEI has achieved a 60 per cent occupancy rate at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Prince County Hospital, to better respond to the anticipated rise in COVID-19 patients. 

She said patients are currently being relocated in an effort to create more space for COVID-19 patients who will need hospital care at both hospitals. 

She said Health PEI currently plans for COVID-19 patients who require hospitalization to be brought to QEH for treatment. 

Another piece to Health PEI's response to COVID-19 is psychiatric care, she said. Dowling said Health PEI opened a psychiatric urgent care clinic at the Hillsborough Hospital. 

We're competing to get the supplies we need.— Marion Dowling

"This clinic will see patients who need urgent psychiatric care but do not require the medical care of an emergency department," she said. 

This is a part of efforts to maintain capacity to care for patients in emergency departments and keeping some of the Island's most vulnerable patients safe. 

"Everything we do now in this province, to social distance, self-isolate when needed and follow the public health office's advice closely will help ensure our Island health services are able to continue to provide the quality care that Islanders need," Dowling said. 

She emphasized that personal protective equipment is in low supply around the world. She said countries who have been hit harder by the pandemic are scrambling to access equipment.

"We're competing to get the supplies we need." 

So far, she said the province has been successful in maintaining supplies for its immediate need, however, they are working hard to conserve that inventory. 

Increased calls, longer wait times

Dowling said demand is expected to increase significantly as facilities begin to see COVID-19 hospitalizations.

She reminded those accessing the cough and fever clinics to remain in their cars until they are notified otherwise to ensure infectious control measures are followed. 

Patients who require testing should continue to call 811. She acknowledged longer wait times on Tuesday as a result of increased calls. 

Dowling said additional resources are being made available to respond to the increased numbers and people will be offered appointments as soon as possible.

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.